FULL TEXT OF ACCEPTANCE SPEECH ON PRESENTATION OF STAFF OF OFFICE BY HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE TO HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY CLEMENT ADESUYI HAASTRUP AS THE 41ST OWA OBOKUN OF IJESALAND, ILUFEMILOYE AJIMOKO III

PROTOCOL

1. Let me start this presentation by thanking God almighty for making this day possible. I must also thank all of you for the patriotism, love and loyalty we have all shown since the demise of the late Paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LLD, PhD who gloriously joined his ancestors. Indeed, this is a true reflection of the power of unity and togetherness which remains our strength, resilience and commitment to peace and progress of Ijesaland. May I then plead with all present here to gracefully join me to observe a minute silence in honour of our departed Royal father, Owa Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LLD, PhD. May His Soul Rest in Perfect Peace.

2. The process leading to my appointment as the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount ruler of Ijesaland by His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Jackson Ademola Adeleke witnessed the usual competing interests, intensity and transparency that characterize the contest for such noble position. My most sincere appreciation to my fellow brothers from the Bilaro family who contested the throne with majesty, dignity and amiable spirits. Let me confirm here and now that all of my brother Princes who contested the throne with me are eminently qualified for the stool. But as in all contests, there will always be one winner. The time for the contest is now over. Let us come together and unite to build a stronger and more prosperous future for all the people of Ijesaland. For me there is “No Victor, No Vanquished”!

3. My dear people of Ijesaland, let us move forward together, united in our pursuit of a brighter future. May our land continue to flourish and may we always remain a beacon of hope and freedom.

4. My immediate priority shall be to consolidate on the unity and progress ravaging the whole of Ijesaland. Fortunately, my task has been made easier by the energy, resourcefulness, cooperation and enthusiasm of our people as shown by the various unification efforts across Ijesaland over the past few years. Our elders and eminent stakeholders have shown uncommon dedication and loyalty to our land. Thank you for your belief, steadfastness and deployment of your personal resources for the happiness of our people. Please be assured that our projects’ conceptualization and implementation shall continue to be driven by the pan-ijesa team spirit to promote harmony, trust and communality. I am eager and willing to do a lot more. With your support and encouragement, I can only build on our legacies and selfless sacrifices.

5. Let me also use this opportunity to salute the patience, resilience and resourcefulness of our youths and reassure them that a new dawn has come. Modalities shall be put in place for the productive engagement of our teeming youths in Ijesaland. I shall as a policy direction promote Economic Growth of Ijesaland through Agriculture and Agro allied industries, as well as supporting creative and strategic development venture in the Ijesaland. There shall be zero tolerance to land grabbing in my name and in the name of other persons, no matter how highly placed. Efforts shall be made toward the establishment of Ijesa Technical Institute, placing serious attention to the production of artisans, as it is done in China, Ghana and other places.

6. I accept this noble position of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland with gratitude and reverence, knowing that it is not by might, but divine arrangement. I am humbled, privileged and honoured by the trust you have collectively placed in me. I make a solemn promise to rule with wisdom, justice, divine guidance and compassion. I vow to protect our land, to defend our traditions and values, and to promote peace, prosperity, and happiness for all. I shall leverage on my healthy interpersonal relationships, wide social networks and global business interests cultivated over the years to bring enviable development to Ijesaland. I recognize that the progress of our land is built on the strength, harmony and empowerment of our people. I pledge to listen to your voices, to hear your concerns, and by the grace of almighty God, work tirelessly to address them.

7. I wish to acknowledge with unequalled gratitude, the incredible and overwhelming support of many people in my life, both at home and in diaspora, on this journey. I thank my amazing family, the Bilaro Royal House, and many lovely friends for their unwavering support, love and encouragement. You mean the world to me. You all should know that this is the time when I need you most, especially, with lofty and worthy advice that will move ijesaland forward.

8. I cannot and must not conclude this address without showing my appreciation to the Executive Governor of our dear state, Governor Ademola Adeleke and the State Executive Council, for graciously accepting and approving my nomination as the 41st Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. Your support and approval is not just and endorsement, it is a commitment to the betterment of our beloved Ijesaland and I am immensely honoured by your trust in me.

9. I must also give special thanks and appreciation to the Ijesa king makers and the good government of Osun State for the fair, well-structured, efficient and merit-based selection process that led to my appointment. I will do my best to justify this trust and confidence.

10. I am conspicuously indebted to my progenitors, Fredrick Kumokun Adedeji Haastrup, Ajimoko I, the 34th Owa Obokun (1896 – 1900) and my grandfather Alexandra Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II (1942 – 1954), whose reigns brought countless development to Ijesaland. Their impressive reigns and legacies no doubt played significant role in my ascending to the throne of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. I promise to work hard to surpass their enviable and immeasurable legacies.

11. I THEREFORE, WITHOUT ANY RESERVATION ACCEPT TO SERVE AS THE 41ST OWA OBOKUN ADIMULA AND THE PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJESALAND.

God bless Ijesaland

God bless Osun State and our charismatic Executive Governor

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup

Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount ruler of Ijesaland

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