Owa Obokun stool: Ofokutu royal family challenges Ajimoko-Haastrup dynasty

“Despite numerous entreaties to the Ajimoko-Haastrup Royal Family to allow equity and fairness within the Ruling House by refraining from presenting any candidate for succession after the late Owa Adekunle Aromolaran II, it is apparent that the Ajimoko-Haastrup Royal Family seeks to monopolize the throne,” the statement added.

The Ofokutu Royal Family warned that continued favoritism towards one dynasty would effectively erase the other royal families within the Bilaro Oluodo ruling house, including the Adeyemi, Adebusuyi, Adegbohungbe, Obembe, and Osundaunsi-Adeyokunnu lineages.

“We passionately implore the Agba-Ijesa to consider the importance of fairness and the well-being of Ijesaland by refraining from selecting or endorsing any candidate from the Ajimoko-Haastrup family. The monopoly on rulership must end for the benefit of the entire Ijesaland,” the statement concluded.

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Reacting to the allegation, Prince Isaac Haastrup, representing the Ajimoko-Haastrup family, dismissed the claims as unfounded, arguing that succession to the Owa stool is governed by established laws.

“The stool of Owa is rotated among the four ruling houses, and the gazette clearly states that every heir of the succeeding ruling house is eligible to contest the throne whenever it becomes vacant,” he explained.

Haastrup referenced historical precedence, noting that the late Oba Adekunle Aromolaran II, from the Bilayiarere dynasty, contested and won the throne twice consecutively.

“The fact that any heir from the next reigning dynasty can challenge the stool, regardless of who vacated the position, is enshrined in our tradition,” he argued.

He also addressed the issue of bias, stating, “If an Ajimoko dynasty candidate becomes the next Owa Obokun, it would not constitute prejudice on the part of the kingmakers or the government, as the process adheres strictly to our established traditions.”

The family appealed to the kingmakers in Ijesaland to uphold principles of equity and fairness.