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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup of Ijesaland in Osun State, has warned politicians to stop killings in his domain, threatening to banish anyone found culpable.
Speaking at the establishment of the Obokungbusi Hall of Fame yesterday, Oba Haastrup said at least five Ijesa indigenes had been killed ahead of the state’s August 15 governorship election.
He lamented that during the campaign period, three Ijesa sons were shot dead within a month, alleging that this was happening because of election-related contestations.
Oba Haastrup said his “primary duty” as king is to protect the lives and property of all Ijesa people, regardless of political affiliation, adding that it is unacceptable for politicians to allegedly keep their own children abroad while killing his people “like chickens”.
He warned that if such acts continue, more lives could be lost by the time the election takes place in August, and he vowed to mobilise the Ijesa people to banish criminal killers.
The monarch also urged religious leaders—churches, mosques, and shrines—to preach against killing for political purposes.
The Hall of Fame, according to the monarch, is meant to preserve and celebrate the stories of notable individuals whose achievements have advanced Ijesaland, nurtured its culture, and inspired higher standards.
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He said the inaugural inductees reflect a recurring theme: individuals who, through their professions and businesses, have left “indelible marks” on the development of Ijesaland.
Oba Haastrup said five prominent Ijesa indigenes were inducted to honour their contributions in the fields of talent, education, military service, and business. Among the highlighted inductees was the late I. K. Dairo, praised for his artistry and recognised with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
He praised Prince Abiodun Lufadeju, who was credited with composing the Ijesa anthem.
“We are all still appreciative of the establishment of the International Breweries, Imo, Ilesa, the brain work of the late prominent entrepreneur, the late Dr. Lawrence Omole, along with others but including notably, another fore-father, Pa Folorunso Awomolo, who also established by himself, the flourishing Imo Hills Farms that has generated great employment opportunities for Ijesa people.
“Then comes our YeyeOwa, Dame Eunice Olayinka Obaleye, MON. KJW, JP. A renowned industrialist and the founder of Yinka Oba Foam, she stands as the highest employer of labour in Ijesaland and the second highest in Osun State. She singlehandedly donated to the Wesley Guild Hospital, an integrated Fistula and Obstetrics Centre with full-fledged facilities of theatre, wards, laboratory, pharmacy, consulting rooms and more,” Oba Haastrup said.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who attended alongside members of the state executive council, commended the initiative, saying it confirmed the monarch’s capacity as a “21st century king” capable of taking Ijesaland and Osun to greater heights economically, politically, and socially.
He added that his administration is addressing the developmental needs of the Ijesa people through infrastructure and plans to transform Ilesa into a university town.
