An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa has declined to halt the coronation of the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Haastrup, scheduled for today (Friday).
At the hearing on Thursday, Justice M. Agboola ruled that the court could not proceed with the application to stop the ceremony until the issue of proper service of court documents on the first respondent, Oba Haastrup, is resolved.
The suit—marked HL/8/25—was brought before the court by the Arimoro family of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, who are challenging the legitimacy of Haastrup’s selection. They named Oba Haastrup, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Dosu Babatunde, Attorney General Oluwole Jimi-Bada, and the Ilesa kingmakers as defendants.
Counsel for the claimants, Oyebola Odeleye, asked the court to hear the pending application to restrain the coronation. However, Chief State Counsel Muyiwa Ogunleye, representing Governor Adeleke and the two commissioners, pointed out that a separate application had been filed by Oba Haastrup’s lawyer, Oluwasesan Dada, to set aside the service of court papers.
Ogunleye informed the court that Dada, who was absent due to a hearing at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, argued that his client had not been properly served, as Haastrup had already entered seclusion when the documents were reportedly delivered.
Justice Agboola upheld the argument and stated that until the matter of service is addressed, it would be inappropriate to consider the injunction application. The case was adjourned until 3rd July for hearing of all pending motions.
“It is unfortunate that pleadings have dragged on for over four months, far exceeding the 60-day period. Neither party has demonstrated seriousness in pursuing this matter,” the judge remarked. “Until the service issue is resolved, granting an interlocutory injunction would be unwise.”
In anticipation of the coronation, the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Osun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have deployed personnel to ensure the success and security of the event.
The coronation is scheduled to take place at Obokungbusi Hall in Ilesa, with a reception to follow at Ilesa Grammar School. Dignitaries from across the country and beyond are expected to attend.
A statement by NSCDC spokesperson Kehinde Adeleke called on guests to cooperate with security personnel. “Under the leadership of Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo, NSCDC is working with sister agencies to provide full security coverage for the coronation of the Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, on 23rd May 2025.”
She added that officers would manage crowd control, prevent disruptions, and ensure the safety of all attendees. NSCDC patrol teams are already stationed in the area.
Similarly, Osun FRSC spokesperson Agnes Ogungbemi announced that road safety officials have been positioned along major routes leading to the venues to facilitate smooth vehicular and pedestrian movement.