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Ijesaland: Loja of Igbo Ikin – A Sacrilege against Ijesa traditions

Published

2 years ago

November 18, 2024

By Omo-Oba Femi Omoniyi

On Saturday, 9th November, just weeks before the end of the traditional mourning period for the late Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, a descendant of the Ajimoko family in the Bilaro Ruling House, was installed as Loja of Igbo Ikin in Ijesaland. This act has sparked controversy, with many seeing it as a sacrilegious disregard for the customs and traditions of the Ijesa people.

In Ijesaland, it is customary to observe a respectful mourning period following the passing of a monarch, especially one as esteemed as the Owa Obokun. During this time, activities like installing new leaders are avoided to honour the memory of a departed king.

Prince Haastrup’s decision to proceed with his installation as Loja, despite these longstanding customs, raises questions about his commitment to Ijesa traditions! Indeed, one wonders why Prince Adesuyi Haastrup and his cohorts would disregard such tradition. It should however not come as a surprise as Prince Haastrup openly declared his interest as an aspiring candidate for the Owa throne early during the mourning period.

To have gone ahead with his installation as Loja is a strong signal of perceived lack of understanding of Yoruba and Ijesa traditions – the very traditions, an Owa would be expected to uphold! The role of Loja is traditionally held by a candidate in preparation for the Owa title, akin to a Duke before becoming king. Both the late Owa Adekunle Aromolaran and Owa Peter Agunlejika were installed as Lojas only after being selected as Owa Elect.

By proceeding with his installation during the mourning period, Haastrup appears to be bypassing these protocols, calling into question his understanding—or respect—of the cultural significance attached to the process. The desperation exhibited by Adesuyi Haastrup is a reminder of the fact that the Ajimoko-Haastrup family, having been the last two beneficiaries of the Owa stool in the Bilaro Family, are once again trying to usurp the other families in the BIlaro ruling House and technically obliterate them.

Beyond the violation of tradition, Haastrup’s actions have fuelled speculation about political influence. Currently, it is widely rumoured across Ijesaland that he is being advanced as a government candidate. This stems from his close ties with the Adeleke family, having once served as Deputy Governor to the late Isiaka Adeleke, and may also explain his confidence in proceeding with the installation as Loja.

I want to believe that the government of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke will distance itself from such a candidate and refrain from imposing any candidate on the Ijesa people. Many Ijesa citizens are urging the current administration of Governor Adeleke to respect the autonomy and traditions of Ijesaland, a land which spans six local governments and holds considerable cultural significance among the Yoruba race.

Furthermore, the speculated involvement of Oba Samson Oyeleye, the Ogboni of Ipole, in Haastrup’s installation has also raised eyebrows. As one of the Iwarefa responsible for overseeing the selection of the next Owa, his role in the installation has led to questions of his dedication to Ijesa customs as well as his non-partisanship in the selection process.

It is deeply troubling when those entrusted to safeguard our traditions and customs are the very ones deemed to be complicit in actions that appear to undermine our long-held heritage.

The community of Ijesa elders, the Agba Ijesa, has yet to publicly address this situation, leaving one wondering why the Bilaro Princes who have publicly signified intent and interest in the Owa stool have not been called to order. Could this silence reflect a worrying detachment of the Agba Ijesa from the traditions that have long governed Ijesa society?

Flagrant disregard of traditions and customs will lead to invocation of the “alale Ijesa” (gods of Ijesaland) to deal with all those who overtly or inadvertently desecrating the land. Both royals and commoners will ultimately be held accountable for their actions in this regard.

In the end, Ijesa sons and daughters remain vigilant, watching closely as events unfold and awaiting a commitment from their leaders to respect the sanctity of their traditions and heritage.

Omoniyi is a public affairs analyst.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

21 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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