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Royal Tussle Looms in Ijesa Kingdom as Ofokutu Royal family challenges Haastrup’s Coronation

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Royal Tussle Looms in Ijesa Kingdom as Ofokutu Royal family challenges Haastrup’s Coronation

 

Palpable royal tussle and internal crisis is currently threatening the peace, stability and tranquility of Ilesha, a renowned cultural and industrial town in Osun State.

Information made available to the
media affirmed that the choice of Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup from the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House as successor to the now late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, as the 40th Owa Obokun of Ijesa land is being vehemently challenged by the The Ofokutu Royal Family.

Additionally, the Ofokutu ruling house has also filed a suit against the installation of Prince Clement Haastrup, a former deputy governor of Osun State who served under the administration of the late Isiaka Adeleke, elder brother to the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke at the court of law.

However, as a thoroughbred investigative media organization, we conducted a survey about the issue with one of the traditional and royal think tanks who is a stakeholder in the schemes of this matter. It was clearly stated that since the late Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, HRM Oba Dr. Adekunle Aromolaran passed on in the year 2024, the Ijesa kingmakers called on all bonafide royal families entitled to the throne to present their preferred candidate. The kingmakers also called on all qualified and interested princess from royal houses to throw their hats in the ring of being crowned the next Owa Obokun of Ijesa land.

Moreover, the onus of presenting the next king fell on the Bilaro Oluodo Royal Clan and under this clan are four ruling houses namely, the Ofokutu ruling house, Ajimoko also known as the Haastrup family, the Fajemisin Ruling house and the Arimoro ruling house. These are all the ruling houses that are entitled to present candidates for the next Owa Obokun of Ijesa land.

In a jiffy, two families presented their sons for the throne. The candidates were all asked to collect their forms and at the end, ten forms were collected by the princes who all displayed their deep interests in becoming the new Owa. Meanwhile, information gathered by our intelligent team is that, immediately the procedures for the selection of the new monarch commenced, there began to emerge, suspicious interventions, most especially from the Osun State Government which does not have any role to play, traditionally or constitutionally in the selection of a new Owa for the people of Ijesa land. The town’s kingmakers popularly known as the ‘Agba Ijesas’ are the ones traditionally mandated to pick the new Owa Obokun of Ijesa land.

We gathered further, that ever since the selection process started, it was initially smooth and well organized until the Osun State Government allegedly hijacked the peaceful procedure precisely in December, 2024. This move by the Senator Ademola Adeleke’s government to intrude into a traditional matter that is not under his jurisdiction coerced the Ofokutu ruling house, who suspected a foul play to head to the law court for proper legal intervention into the issue. The Ofokutu family headed to the High Court situated in Ilesa, urging the court to immediately order the state government headed by His Excellency Senator Ademola Adeleke and all other stakeholders involved in the selection of a new Owa to suspend their activities because it’s crystal clear that the state government has suspiciously imposed a candidate on others and that is, the present Owa Obokun Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. The court granted the wishes of the Ofokutu family and ordered the Osun State Government to step down on its move to forcefully impose a candidate on Ijesa land.

It was reported however, that on Friday 27th of December 2024, a directive came from the Ilesha West Local Government summoning five kingmakers for a meeting and these kingmakers are all loyal to the Ademola Adeleke-led state government and the imposed Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup who is believed to be currently acting as regent to the Owa Obokun throne. We gathered that, the five kingmakers were actually summoned by the Osun State Government through the leadership of Ilesha West Local Government. When the five kingmakers got there, they were told that they have to conduct an election which is a directive from the Osun State Government. However, in actuality, thirteen kingmakers are traditionally entitled to the selection of Owa Obokun of Ijesa land. At the meeting, it was alleged that the state government upturned the initial agreement with the kingmakers and disqualified seven of them, saying they have no right to take part in the electoral process of the new Owa Obokun.

Practically, only five out of the thirteen kingmakers were allowed to vote for the Owa Obokun at a closed door session as no one else beside the five kingmakers and state government representatives were allowed access to the electoral meeting. Suddenly, a woman rose from the meeting and introduced herself as representative of Ilesha West Local Government and said, the five kingmakers have conducted the election and have unanimously chosen Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesa land.

However, while conducting a vox-pop with those that matters in the Obaship issues of Ijesa land, our correspondent gathered that the people are amazed, surprised and saddened that how on earth would only five out of thirteen kingmakers be allowed to conduct an election of that magnitude to the detriment of other seven kingmakers who were ‘illegally’ accused of not qualified to vote for the new Owa Obokun.

Moreover, we gathered that ever since the installation of an Owa Obokun of Ijesa land commenced historically, the Owa Ofokutu was first installed in 1846 and reigned till 1858 before he passed on and while searching for who would succeed the late king, the kingmakers later arrived at calling on the Haastrup family and this was because the Haastrup family played a significant role during the Ijesha and Ekiti Parapo war against the Ibadan. According to information gathered, the Haastrup family were slaves back then. The Haastrup family went to their master who is the real Haastrup to demand for fighting weapons which he granted them. So, that name Haastrup has no meaning in Yoruba land and the name implies nothing but slavery. Then, after the war was over and conquered, the reigning king died and the kingmakers decided in 1896 to look inwards to the family of Bilaro and the last king that reigned in Bilaro ruling house. Then the kingmakers began searching for a family link of Haastrup with royalty in Ijesa land but could not find one. We have Bilaro, Biladu, Bilagbayo and Bilarere royal families and all the four royal families in Ijesa land, yet no root for the Haastrup family. The kingmakers now went to the Bilaro Oluodo Royal and told them that they should allow the Haastrup family to be king over Ijesa land so as to appreciate their gallantry efforts during the victory over the Ibadan at the warfront. So, in 1896 the first Haastrup Ajimoko 1 was installed as Owa Obokun of Ijesa land. The Ijesha kingmakers took this step so as to help elevate the standard of the Haastrup family and in 1946, the onus again fell on the Bilaro Oluodo family to emerge Owa Obokun and again, the Haastrup family was given the right to emerge as Owa Obokun for the second time consecutively. It was never their turn, they took it by force, they forcefully hijacked the kingship because they used money to hijack the throne. Therefore, the same thing is happening today. When you give people too many chances and opportunities, they will overtake the possession of anything you offer them. You know, our forefathers back then easily overlook things, saying there is nothing bad in allowing them to become kings, and see the consequences today.

Now that it is the third time the Owa Obokun obaship is coming to Bilaro family, the Haastrup family is alleged to have connived with the state government and said, this same Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup is the man they want as Owa Obokun of Ijesa land and constitutionally, the Owa Obokun throne should be shared accordingly and now that we have four ruling houses under Bilaro which are Ofokutu, Ajimoko, Arimoro and Fajemisin and you neglected the other three. That is why the people concluded that this is cheating at the highest level. They are of the view that making the Haastrup family king over Ijesa land for the third time is a disgrace and dent to the royalty history of other three royal families in Bilaro ruling house.

Now, in order to set the record straight and for all stakeholders to do the needful for the benefits of Ijesha land, the Ofokutu and the family head, called on all family, Ijesa, youths and elders not to be at war with anybody or take to violence but head straight to the court of law and the court ordered on December 12 that the Osun State Government should desist from installing an Owa Obokun of Ijesa land. So, on December 27, 2024 when the Osun State Government announced that they had chosen a prince, Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the man to sit on the throne, someone whose case is still pending in the court of law. The state government was allegedly accused of saying that the same High Court at Ilesha asked them to go ahead with the declaration and installation of Prince Clement Haastrup as the Owa Obokun. We gathered that lawyers to the Ofokutu ruling house then asked the state government when they got another exparte motion from the court that they should go ahead with the installation of anybody as Owa Obokun.

It was thereafter reported that on Friday January 10, 2025, when the lawyers to the Ofokutu family got the court judgement, it was back dated to December 13th, 2024, that the High Court in Ilesha granted the Osun State Government the power to go ahead with the installation process of a new Owa Obokun, a day after the Ofokutu family got the power to instruct the state government and other stakeholders from installing an Owa. Lawyers and elders of the Ofokutu family now asked why is it that after gotten a judgement of enforcement on December 12 and the state government purportedly got its own judgement on December 13, why is it that the Osun State government and its allied delivered the court judgement to the Ofokutu royal family lawyers on January 10? So, surprisingly, the same judge that gave the Ofokutu royal family their own exparte motion is the same judge that gave the state government permission to go ahead with the declaration and installation of a new Owa. However, the legal team of the Ofokutu family outrightly pointed out that the judge should have sought for the attention of the Ofokutu lawyers to know about the prayer of the state government.

On January 14 this year when the case was to be heard by the court, the lawyers of the Ofokutu royal family prayed that the Judge should recuse himself from the case for another Judge to hear the case. The Judge, however told the lawyers to the Ofokutu royal family to put their request in writing and adjourned the case till the 6th of March, 2025 for further hearing.

In conclusion, the other seven kingmakers who were denied their right to vote for a new Owa Obokun of Ijesa land also vehemently rejected the decision of the state government, and in the same Bilaro ruling house, the Arimoro and Fajemisin royal families are also against the action of the Osun State government, concerning it’s support for Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup who they believe is illegally declared and installed as the Owa Obokun Adimula, the paramount ruler of Ijesa land.

As the situation stands now, there is an obvious pointer that trouble is looming in Ijesa land, a royal brouhaha that has never occurred in the historical town in the past. The people are vehemently against the decision of the Osun State Government led by His Excellency Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke to declare and installed Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the Owa Obokun of Ijesa.

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Nigerian Doctor Shares Heartbreaking Story as Marriage Crumbles Months After Relocating to Canada

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Nigerian Doctor Shares Heartbreaking Story as Marriage Crumbles Months After Relocating to Canada

Nigerian Doctor Shares Heartbreaking Story as Marriage Crumbles Months After Relocating to Canada

A Nigerian doctor has publicly shared his heartbreak after his marriage fell apart just months after he and his family relocated to Canada. The devastated man, who is of Yoruba descent, recounted his painful ordeal in a conversation with relationship adviser Adeolatalks, revealing how his wife, who hails from Edo, allegedly manipulated the Canadian justice system against him.

“I swear my wife ruined me in this country, and we just landed o,” he lamented, igniting mixed reactions across social media.

According to his detailed account, their marriage started to fall apart roughly four months after they arrived in Canada. He alleged that his wife accused him of domestic abuse, leading to serious legal consequences that have since upended his life in the new country.

“We ended up separating when we arrived in Canada about four months later. She even went as far as to involve me in the criminal justice system here, which is not sympathetic to claims of domestic abuse,” he stated.

Reflecting on his actions, the embattled doctor admitted that he may have exhibited controlling tendencies due to his seniority in age but insisted that he never physically harmed his wife.

“I admit we had arguments, and I accept that because I am older than her, I may have lorded some authority over her. My controlling behavior was wrong, and I apologize. But I never for once hit her. It felt to me like a setup,” he added.

Beyond the legal woes, he accused his estranged wife of financial irresponsibility, disclosing that she mismanaged a sum of approximately ₦10 million in Nigeria before their relocation. He explained that the funds were intended for her contribution to their proof of funds for permanent residency, but she allegedly squandered the money on personal expenses.

“She became entangled in a loan cycle of approximately ₦10 million, which she used for self-care over eight months. This money was meant for her personal contribution to the proof of funds for permanent residency, but she squandered it with nothing to show for it,” he lamented.

The doctor further claimed that his wife used their immigration process as leverage to demand more financial support, allegedly threatening not to travel with him and their children unless he covered the required proof of funds.

Their separation took a drastic turn when she reportedly secured a restraining order against him, barring him from any contact with her or their children.

“As I speak to you, I do not know where she lives, and I cannot talk to her because she issued a restraining order against me in this country, which she refused to lift even when asked by the government,” he said.

Expressing deep concern for his two young daughters, he revealed that his attempts at reconciliation have been fruitless and that his in-laws have chosen not to intervene.

“We have two little girls, and I am concerned about them. I have done my best to get her back, but she got the police to put a no-contact order on me from the very first day. Her family won’t get involved.”

He further alleged that his wife has since moved on and is now living with another man.

The heartbreaking revelation has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many expressing opinions on relationships, financial responsibility, and the challenges couples face after relocating abroad. While some sympathized with the doctor’s plight, others argued that there may be more to the story than he has shared.

 

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NLC Issues Ultimatum: Mass Action Looms Over Telecom Tariff Hike and Electricity Tariff Increases

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NLC Issues Ultimatum: Mass Action Looms Over Telecom Tariff Hike and Electricity Tariff Increases

Nigeria Labour Congress Issues Ultimatum: Mass Action Looms Over Telecom Tariff Hike and Electricity Tariff Increases

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, directing its affiliates to prepare for mass action if the government proceeds with the implementation of a 35% telecommunication services charge, contrary to agreements made by the 10-man committee.

The decision was taken during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, where the congress also inaugurated its Compressed Natural Gas-driven Mass Transit Buses for the North East Zone and deliberated on the escalating economic crisis facing Nigerian workers. The statement, released on Sunday, underscored the NLC’s firm stance against further financial burdens on citizens.

Telecom Tariff Hike: A Breach of Agreement?

The NLC expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of the telecommunication tariff hike, recalling that a February 21, 2025 agreement between both parties had reduced the proposed increase from 50% to 35%. However, the congress remains skeptical about the government’s commitment to honoring this agreement.

“NEC categorically warns that should the implementation of the agreement on March 1, 2025, not be as agreed, the National Administrative Council is mandated to immediately deploy all necessary instruments to enforce compliance in line with the February 10th, 2025 Central Working Committee directive,” the statement read.

Electricity Tariff: Mass Resistance on the Horizon

The NLC also took a firm stand against the reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), labeling it a deceptive scheme to force customers into Band A under the pretext of improved service while imposing higher costs.

“This systematic exploitation, sanctioned by the Ministry of Power, is nothing short of economic violence against the working class and the broader Nigerian populace,” the communiqué stated.

The congress warned that any attempt to increase electricity tariffs further would trigger nationwide resistance. “The ruling elite continues to transfer the burden of their fiscal irresponsibility onto the already impoverished working masses. NEC-in-session warns that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases will be met with mass resistance,” the statement emphasized.

Call for Nationwide Mobilization Against Economic Hardship

The NLC has called on all industrial unions, affiliates, and progressive allies to remain vigilant and ready to engage in decisive mass action. “No society can sustainably develop under a regime of corporate plunder and neoliberal enslavement. The Nigerian working people must, therefore, remain resolute, organised, and uncompromising in the collective struggle for a fair and equitable Nigeria,” the congress declared.

Labour Party Crisis: NLC Moves to Reclaim Control

The NEC also addressed the ongoing crisis within the Labour Party, asserting that the party, which was created by the Nigeria Labour Congress, must remain true to its ideological roots.

“NEC-in-session directed the National Administrative Council to take immediate steps which may include rebranding, merger, or forming coalitions to defend the interests of the NLC and Nigerian workers within the party,” the statement noted.

The congress warned that it would not allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by external forces that do not align with the aspirations of Nigerian workers and the masses. “The NLC remains committed to ensuring that the party remains a true vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and the oppressed masses,” the communiqué concluded.

Conclusion: Tensions Mount as NLC Sets the Stage for Action

With economic hardship worsening and workers bearing the brunt of government policies, the NLC’s ultimatum signals a potential showdown. As the Federal Government moves forward with policies perceived as exploitative, the coming days could see large-scale mobilizations, protests, and a heightened struggle for economic justice in Nigeria.

 

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Ogun Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Defiling Three-Year-Old Girl

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Ogun Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Defiling Three-Year-Old Girl

Ogun Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Defiling Three-Year-Old Girl

The Ogun State Police Command has taken a 25-year-old man, Muniru Haruna, into custody for allegedly defiling a three-year-old girl (name withheld) at Orile-Ilugun in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. The disturbing incident, which occurred on Saturday, March 1, 2025, was reported by the victim’s mother, 20-year-old Alaba Abdullahi.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the spokesperson of the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola, the victim’s mother alerted authorities at around 11 a.m. after making the shocking discovery.

Odutola explained, “Alaba reported that Muniru Haruna, a 25-year-old man residing in the same area, allegedly committed the act while the victim was playing nearby.

“The incident was discovered when Alaba heard her child crying and quickly went to investigate, only to find her daughter emerging from the suspect’s room in evident distress.

“Upon further examination, it was revealed that the victim had difficulty walking and exhibited signs of physical trauma. Alaba immediately sought assistance, and both the victim and the suspect were transported to General Hospital Odeda for a medical examination and necessary treatment.”

The police spokesperson added that medical forms were issued to ascertain the extent of the child’s injuries, and authorities are currently awaiting the doctor’s report.

Ongoing Investigation

Odutola confirmed that Haruna has denied the allegations against him, but the case has been referred to the division crime branch for further investigation. Upon completion of preliminary inquiries, it will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran for thorough prosecution.

She further emphasized that the Ogun State Police Command takes the matter seriously and is committed to ensuring justice for the victim.

“The safety and well-being of the community, especially children, remain top priorities for the command,” Odutola assured.

She urged anyone with additional information regarding the incident to come forward and assist law enforcement in ensuring a fair and swift resolution to the case.

 

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