An Osun State High Court in Ilesa has declined to halt the planned coronation of the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Haastrup, scheduled for this Friday.
During Thursday’s court session, Justice M. Agboola ruled that the case filed by the Arimoro family of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House could not proceed until the issue of proper service of court documents on Oba Haastrup, the first respondent, was resolved.
The lawsuit, case number HL/8/25, names Oba Haastrup, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Dosu Babatunde, the Attorney General Oluwole Jimi-Bada, and the Ilesa kingmakers as respondents.
At the hearing, Oyebola Odeleye, counsel for the claimant, notified the court of an application ready for hearing that sought to stop Haastrup’s coronation and urged the court to allow it to proceed.
However, Muyiwa Ogunleye, Chief State Counsel representing Governor Adeleke and the two commissioners, pointed to a motion filed by Oluwasesan Dada, lawyer for Oba Haastrup, requesting the court to set aside the service of the claimant’s process on his client.
Ogunleye explained that Dada, who was absent from the day’s proceedings due to another commitment at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, argued that Haastrup was not properly served because he was in seclusion and inaccessible at the time the process was allegedly served.
Following this, Justice Agboola ruled that the question of proper service must be settled before hearing the application aimed at stopping the coronation and adjourned the case until July 3 to hear all pending motions.
“It’s so sad that these pleadings were extended over four months instead of 60 days. Both parties have not been serious about the case.
“However, until when pending application has been addressed, it will be unwise for the court to grant the interlocutory injunction,” the judge stated.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Osun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps announced robust security preparations for the coronation event.
In a statement signed by NSCDC spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, it was confirmed that under Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo’s leadership, a substantial number of officers have been deployed to manage the large expected crowd and maintain order during the ceremonies.
“The command under the leadership of Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo is working closely with other sister agencies to ensure comprehensive security arrangements for the coronation of the Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, which holds on 23rd May 2025.
“In anticipation of a large turnout, NSCDC has deployed a significant number of personnel to manage the crowd, prevent disruptions, and ensure the safety of dignitaries and attendees.
“NSCDC patrol teams are already on the ground, maintaining a visible presence to deter potential security threats,” part of the statement read.
The command urged those with criminal intent to stay away from the event or face the full force of the law.
Similarly, the Osun Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC, Agnes Ogungbemi, said officers have been deployed along the routes surrounding the venues to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians during the coronation.
Oba Haastrup’s coronation is set to take place at Obokungbusi Hall, Ilesa, with a reception at Ilesa Grammar School, attracting dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
