The Ofokutu Royal Family has formally issued a challenge to the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, regarding the purported imposition of Prince Ademola Haastrup as the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland. The royal family has expressed strong objections to what it describes as an unlawful and unjust action by the state government in bypassing established traditional processes and customs.
According to the Ofokutu Royal Family, the selection and appointment of the Owa Obokun, a revered position in Ijeshaland, should follow the traditional norms, practices, and the due process outlined by the customs of the region. However, they allege that Governor Adeleke's intervention in favor of Prince Haastrup undermines these time-honored protocols and is contrary to the wishes of the people and the royal lineage.
"We are deeply concerned by the way this matter has been handled. The imposition of Prince Haastrup is a violation of our traditional heritage and the rightful procedures that must be followed in selecting the Owa Obokun," said the spokesperson for the Ofokutu Royal Family. "The people of Ijeshaland deserve to have a leader chosen based on merit, respect for tradition, and the collective will of the community."
The family has called on the Osun State government to reconsider its stance and allow the traditional council to take its rightful course in the selection of the Owa Obokun. They have also urged the governor to engage in open dialogue with the family and relevant stakeholders in Ijeshaland to ensure that the selection process remains transparent and adheres to the established customs.