By Omo-Oba Femi Omoniyi
On Saturday, 9th November, just weeks before the end of the traditional mourning period for the late Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, a descendant of the Ajimoko family in the Bilaro Ruling House, was installed as Loja of Igbo Ikin in Ijesaland. This act has sparked controversy, with many seeing it as a sacrilegious disregard for the customs and traditions of the Ijesa people.
In Ijesaland, it is customary to observe a respectful mourning period following the passing of a monarch, especially one as esteemed as the Owa Obokun. During this time, activities like installing new leaders are avoided to honour the memory of a departed king.
Prince Haastrup’s decision to proceed with his installation as Loja, despite these longstanding customs, raises questions about his commitment to Ijesa traditions! Indeed, one wonders why Prince Adesuyi Haastrup and his cohorts would disregard such tradition. It should however not come as a surprise as Prince Haastrup openly declared his interest as an aspiring candidate for the Owa throne early during the mourning period.
To have gone ahead with his installation as Loja is a strong signal of perceived lack of understanding of Yoruba and Ijesa traditions – the very traditions, an Owa would be expected to uphold! The role of Loja is traditionally held by a candidate in preparation for the Owa title, akin to a Duke before becoming king. Both the late Owa Adekunle Aromolaran and Owa Peter Agunlejika were installed as Lojas only after being selected as Owa Elect.
By proceeding with his installation during the mourning period, Haastrup appears to be bypassing these protocols, calling into question his understanding—or respect—of the cultural significance attached to the process. The desperation exhibited by Adesuyi Haastrup is a reminder of the fact that the Ajimoko-Haastrup family, having been the last two beneficiaries of the Owa stool in the Bilaro Family, are once again trying to usurp the other families in the BIlaro ruling House and technically obliterate them.
Beyond the violation of tradition, Haastrup’s actions have fuelled speculation about political influence. Currently, it is widely rumoured across Ijesaland that he is being advanced as a government candidate. This stems from his close ties with the Adeleke family, having once served as Deputy Governor to the late Isiaka Adeleke, and may also explain his confidence in proceeding with the installation as Loja.
I want to believe that the government of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke will distance itself from such a candidate and refrain from imposing any candidate on the Ijesa people. Many Ijesa citizens are urging the current administration of Governor Adeleke to respect the autonomy and traditions of Ijesaland, a land which spans six local governments and holds considerable cultural significance among the Yoruba race.
Furthermore, the speculated involvement of Oba Samson Oyeleye, the Ogboni of Ipole, in Haastrup’s installation has also raised eyebrows. As one of the Iwarefa responsible for overseeing the selection of the next Owa, his role in the installation has led to questions of his dedication to Ijesa customs as well as his non-partisanship in the selection process.
It is deeply troubling when those entrusted to safeguard our traditions and customs are the very ones deemed to be complicit in actions that appear to undermine our long-held heritage.
The community of Ijesa elders, the Agba Ijesa, has yet to publicly address this situation, leaving one wondering why the Bilaro Princes who have publicly signified intent and interest in the Owa stool have not been called to order. Could this silence reflect a worrying detachment of the Agba Ijesa from the traditions that have long governed Ijesa society?
Flagrant disregard of traditions and customs will lead to invocation of the “alale Ijesa” (gods of Ijesaland) to deal with all those who are overtly or inadvertently desecrating the land. Both royals and commoners will ultimately be held accountable for their actions in this regard.
In the end, Ijesa sons and daughters remain vigilant, watching closely as events unfold and awaiting a commitment from their leaders to respect the sanctity of their traditions and heritage.
. Omoniyi is a public affairs analyst.
