An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa has granted an order restraining the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the kingmakers from appointing Adesuyi Haastrup or any other person to fill the vacant stool of Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland.
Also, the interim order prevented the respondents from embarking on any further procedure regarding the vacant stool of the Owa Obokun pending the determination of a motion on notice filed before the court.
The restraining order followed a suit, marked HIL/117/2024, which was instituted by Debo Adeyemi and 10 others on behalf of the Ofokutu Royal Family of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House.
Besides Adeleke, other defendants joined in the suit include the Obanla of Ijesaland, High Chief Folorunso Adeniyi, eleven other kingmakers, the Ijesa Central Traditional Council, the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and Adesuyi Haastrup.
However, despite this development, former Minister of Health during the administration of former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), Stephen Debo Adeyemi, yesterday, joined the race to contest for the stool.
Adeyemi of the Ofokutu Royal Family, under the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, Ilesa, has subsequently outlined his vision to serve the people of Ijesaland with a commitment to unity, development, and cultural preservation.
In a statement obtained by The Guardian, he attributed his extensive experience in governance, healthcare, and international diplomacy as a solid foundation for his aspirations as part of the reasons prompting his desire to contest for the stool.
He said: “I have served my country as a minister, represented Nigeria in Canada, excelled as a surgeon, and managed one of the largest tertiary health institutions in the country. It is now time to serve my people of Ijesaland directly.”
Adeyemi stressed the need for unity, peace, and collaboration among the people of Ijesaland, stressing that the values are essential for progress. The Canada-trained professor of medicine and administrator, while promising to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, and entrepreneurs to harness the region’s abundant resources, including its fertile land, industrious population, and creative youths, averred: “United we stand, divided we fall. Together, we can explore our God-given endowments for the benefit of all.”