From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The new Owa Obokun of Ijesa in Osun State, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has said he never thought of becoming a King when he embarked on human and physical development in Ijesa land.
The monarch, whose coronation was slated for May 23rd as the 41st Owa Obokun made the remark in Ilesa at the weekend during a dinner for the commencement of the Friday ceremony.
In a statement by the Chairman, media Committee for the coronation, Shola Oshunkeye on Sunday, the monarch said he did not make contribution to the town with intention to vie for any post.
He said, “All these times, in the past, that I have been coming home to help my people, I always told them I was not doing all that to become the Governor or Kabiyesi (King). I was just doing what I was doing to make them happy, and contribute my own quota to humanity.
“Becoming a king never crossed my mind but doing good to both old, young and entire people. I never knew this day would come that I will become a king. I appreciate God Almighty, and the good people of Ijesaland for offering me this grace to serve. I believe Eledumare will help me succeed,” he added.
The monarch enjoined sons and daughters of Ijesaland at home and in the diaspora to join hands with him to harness the potentials embedded in Ijesaland for the speedy and comprehensive development.
Oshunkeye explained that the Chairman, Coronation Planning Committee, Prof. Wale Omole, a former Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, appreciated members for their efforts at making the coronation a great success.
In his remark, the Ajirowa of Ijesaland, Alhaji Lateef Bakare, who doubles as the Vice Chairman of the coronation committee, narrated the journey that led to the selection of Owa Haastrup as King, noting that Owa Haastrup strictly observed all mandatory rites to the letter, leaving none unperformed.