Osun monarch nominates UFC star Adesanya, ex-CDS, other high-profile indigenes for merit award
Some prominent late and living indigenes of Ijesaland in Osun State have been nominated for honours as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Owa Adesuyi Haastrup, unveiled the nominees for the inaugural Ijesa Hall of Fame.
In a statement released by the palace on Friday, the first category of nominees includes the founder of International Breweries PLC, late Chief Lawrence Omole.
Also listed are the co-founder of International Breweries PLC, Ilesa, and founder of Imo Hill Farm Agricultural business, late Pa Folorunso Awomoolo, as well as Dame Yinka Obaleye, the Yeye Owa of Ijesaland and founder of Yinka Oba Foam and Allied Products Industries.
The statement added that the list, “unanimously ratified by the Owa in Council,” also includes the composer of the Ijesa anthem, Prince Biodun Lufadeju, and the renowned musician late IK Dairo.
In the second category, the Merit Award, distinguished individuals include Sir Sapara Williams, the first Nigerian lawyer; Professor Bolanle Awe, facilitator and founder of the College of Education, Ilesa (now University of Ilesa); Prince Olu Awogboro, founder of Ark Insurance Brokers Ltd; Oba Oladele Olasore, the late Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa and proprietor of Olashore International School.
Also in the Merit Award category are ex Chief of Defence Staff, General Oluseyi Petinrin (retd.), who helped establish the Federal Military School at Ipetujesa; Mr. Femi Agunbiade; Rasheed Sarumi; and UFC star, Israel Adesanya.
Further nominees in the category include General Tokunbo Fayemiwo, a large-scale farmer, and Erelu Olusola Obada, facilitator of the Military Base in Ibodi.
Regarding the selection process, the statement explained: “Nominations were submitted by the seven-member committee earlier chosen by the Owa in Council, which also renamed the popular Obokungbusi Town Hall to Ijesa Hall of Fame.”
The committee, chaired by Chief Akin Akinola, the pioneering Managing Director of International Brewery PLC, includes Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijebujesa; Oba Festus Awogboro, the Alademure of Ibokun; Oba Olusegun Ogunleye, the Tirimi of Iperindo; Barrister Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo; Hon. Diti Aluko; and Hon. Lanrewaju Balogun.
Owa Haastrup explained that the initiative “Is designed to honor Ijesas whose investments have yielded significant benefits for the people of Ijesaland, with the aim of motivating younger generations to emulate their accomplishments.”
He added that he chose a democratized process to strengthen Ijesa unity and warned that any honorary recipient who compromises the reputation of the land after being honored would forfeit the title. He also stated that future editions would limit the number of candidates and that no candidate would be inducted unless all criteria were satisfied.
Since his appointment as Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in December 2024, Oba Haastrup—who previously served as deputy governor under the first executive governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke—has launched initiatives to boost the local economy. He has also taken a firm stance against land grabbing and promoted large-scale mechanized farming in the area.
