The Fajesinmi Royal Family of Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House has expressed dissatisfaction with the expedited process that led to the selection and installation of Oba Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland. The family has described the swift selection, approval, and presentation of the Staff of Office as a breach of Ijesa and Yoruba traditional customs.
Oba Haastrup was chosen by kingmakers on a Friday, and within 72 hours, Governor Ademola Adeleke confirmed his appointment and presented him with the Staff of Office. However, the Fajesinmi Royal Family, in a statement signed by Prince Olufemi Fajemisin, raised concerns about the integrity of the process, emphasizing that the sacred rituals and traditions associated with Yoruba kingship were overlooked.
“Ascension to a throne in Yorubaland is not merely a political exercise; it is a sacred and spiritual journey that confers legitimacy and authority upon the monarch," the family stated.
The statement elaborated on the traditional rites of kingship, which include spiritual purification, consultation with the Ifa oracle, and a period of seclusion to prepare the king-elect for his leadership responsibilities. These rites are integral to ensuring the monarch’s alignment with ancestral and divine authority.
“By bypassing this time-honored practice, the cultural essence of Yoruba kingship is eroded, and its sacred foundation is undermined. This rushed selection, approval, and presentation of Staff of Office have raised significant concerns and sparked widespread disapproval,” the statement read.
The Fajesinmi family argued that the spiritual and cultural significance of a Yoruba king's role as a custodian of tradition and intermediary between the people and the divine must be preserved. They expressed disappointment that these traditions, which have sustained the Yoruba people for centuries, were seemingly disregarded in the current process.
The family called for a review of the selection process to ensure that future installations honor the sanctity and legitimacy of Yoruba customs and traditions.
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