Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup has been officially installed as the Loja of Igbo-Ikin, a village near Odogbo Ijesa in Atakumosa East Local Government, Osun State.
The title is significant, as Ijesaland tradition requires any prince aspiring to the Owa Obokun throne to first serve as Loja in one of Ijesaland’s villages.
According to Kakakioodua Media, Prince Haastrup was recently spotted in Ilesa, where he was closely guarded by state-armed police while residing in the Imo area of the city.
His ascension to Loja has drawn considerable attention from the chiefs, sons, and daughters of Ijesaland, as the kingdom anticipates the selection of the next Owa Obokun Adimula, a process that will only commence after the traditional 90-day mourning period concludes on December 10, 2024.
Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, Oba Omokehinde Samson Oyebade Oyeleye when asked for information on the matter referred to the appointment as a minor chieftaincy matter, sanctioned by the Osun Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
As President of the Atakumosa East Council of Obas, Oba Omokehinde noted that although he approved the decision, he did not personally attend the installation.
“The door remains open for princes desiring to serve as Loja, as many villages in Atakumosa East still have vacant Loja stools,” Oba Omokehinde said.
Leave a Reply