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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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DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development

Published

19 hours ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Samania

The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.

Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.

He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.

According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.

He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.

Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.

Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.

According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.

He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.

Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.

He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.

Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.

He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.

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