The ancient city of Ilesa, the heart of Ijesaland in Osun State, Nigeria, is set to witness a grand spectacle of royal tradition and cultural celebration as it prepares for the coronation of its 49th Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. The week-long coronation ceremonies, scheduled to commence on May 16, 2025, will culminate in the formal ascension of the former Osun State deputy governor to the throne on May 23, 2025, at the Owa’s Palace in Ilesa. The palace has released a detailed itinerary of the events, promising a vibrant display of royal pageantry and cultural heritage.
The coronation festivities will begin with a solemn Jumat service at the Ilesa Central Mosque on May 16, invoking blessings and divine favour upon the new monarch and his reign. This will be followed by a vibrant cultural celebration at the historic Obokungbusi Hall on May 17, showcasing the rich artistic traditions and customs of the Ijesa people. As the day transitions into evening, the palace courtyard will transform into a spectacle of sights and sounds with a grand Isese Night, featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling, illuminating the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and practices of the Ijesa community.
The following Monday, May 19, will see the newly crowned Owa Obokun Adimula embark on a royal tour of the various zones within Ijesaland. This symbolic gesture signifies the monarch’s commitment to his people and his intention to reign with fairness and inclusivity, reaching out to all corners of his kingdom. The focus then shifts to sporting activities, with the grand finale of the coronation games taking place on Tuesday, May 20. The day begins with the invigorating Owa Ajimoko III Ijesa Marathon, a test of endurance and athleticism, followed by the highly anticipated final of the coronation football competition at the Ilesa Grammar School Sports arena. The day concludes with a medal presentation and awards ceremony, recognizing the achievements of the participating athletes.
Wednesday, May 21, is dedicated to acts of charity and community engagement. The day commences with visits to various orphanages in and around Ilesa, demonstrating the monarch’s compassion and commitment to the welfare of the less privileged. This will be followed by an insightful video documentary and workshop organized by the Ijesa Mineral Resources Development Forum (IMRDF) at the University of Ilesa, highlighting the region’s potential for economic growth and development.
The penultimate day of celebrations, Thursday, May 22, returns to the realm of sports with a golf kitty held at the Royal Park International Hotel in nearby Iloko-Ijesa. This event provides a platform for networking and camaraderie amongst dignitaries and well-wishers. Concurrently, a symposium will be held at the same venue, where the Ajimoko III Foundation will unveil its scholarship and empowerment scheme, underscoring the monarch’s commitment to education and human capital development within his kingdom.
The pinnacle of the week-long festivities arrives on Friday, May 23, with the formal coronation ceremony of Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the 49th Owa Obokun Adimula. This solemn and sacred ritual, steeped in tradition and symbolism, will take place at the Owa’s Palace at 10 am. Following the coronation, a grand reception will be held at the Ilesa Grammar School, providing an opportunity for guests to offer their congratulations and celebrate the new monarch’s ascension. The reception promises to be a lavish affair, attended by dignitaries from across the country, including political leaders, traditional rulers, business moguls, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The coronation celebrations conclude on Sunday, May 25, with a thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa. This spiritual gathering offers an opportunity for the community to express gratitude for the successful coronation and to seek divine guidance for the new monarch’s reign. The service marks the end of a week of vibrant cultural displays, sporting events, acts of charity, and solemn rituals, ushering in a new era for Ijesaland under the leadership of its 49th Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. The coronation is not merely a change of guard but a reaffirmation of the rich cultural heritage and enduring traditions of the Ijesa people, signifying a continuity of leadership and a commitment to progress and prosperity for the kingdom.
