The 19th of September, 2025 was a memorable day for the sons and sisters of Ijesha Land, as they gathered in Lagos to celebrate the 77th birthday of The Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesha Land-His Highness, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Animoji III.
The ceremony which was organised by the Ijesha Society in Lagos attracted all the sons and daughters of Ijesha Land to MUSON Center in Lagos to celebrate one of the revered Obas in Yoruba Land.
The society also made a public presentation of the book: “The History of Ijesha Towns and Communities, The People, Land and Heritage”.
The Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesha Land-Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III in his royal address to commemorate his 77th birthday and the launch of the Ijesha Land historic book, expressed gratitude to God for granting him the opportunity to witness another year round the globe, especially as the writing of the world class book which began in 2017 became a reality in his lifetime.
Consequently, Kabiesi who thanked the leadership of The Ijesha Society for hatching such an initiative also beckoned on all illustrious sons and daughters of the kingdom to contribute immensely to the making of the Osomaalo building project a reality.
In his words, “the project is a testament to the enduring and enterprising spirit that binds us together as Ijeshas, the building will serve as a living tribute to the legacy of our founding fathers”, he said.
Kabiesi also used the opportunity to renew the solemn promise he made during his ascendancy to the throne in Y2024-to rule his people with wisdom, justice, divine guidance and compassion.
The Queen Consort-Olori Grace Haastrup who was full of praises for his royal majesty, also prayed for his good health, longevity and the general well being of the Ijesha Kingdom.
She further enjoined the people to work hand in hand with Kabiesi to make Ijesha Kingdom the cynosure of all eyes.
While welcoming the guests to the auspicious occasion, The Ajirowa of Ijesha Land cum president of Ijesha Society in Lagos -Chief Lateef Akande Bakare reiterated that the ascension of The Owa Obokun to the throne of his forefathers implies a new era for Ijesha Land.
According to him, “Ijesha Land would benefit from the wealth of experience of the new King in community development, business and good governance, which will reposition the entity to an enviable position both locally and internationally, especially as Kabiyesi’s Economic Development Agenda is rooted in four pillars of Agriculture, Industrialization, Commerce and Mining “.
He also noted that the public presentation of the book on Ijesha people as well as the Osomaalo building project about to be constructed in Lagos; will further bring Ijesha people to the limelight.
Similarly, The Chairman of the organizing committee-Sir Dele Aladekomo, while making his remarks stated that the essence of the historical book is to keep the Ijesha Spirit alive. This is more so, as Ijeshas have made great contributions to the growth of the entire Yoruba Race.
According to him, the Osomaalo House Project which is hinged on the creed of legacy, learning, investment, innovation and sustainability will make a great impact on the world economy, when completed.
Some of the dignitaries at the event who launched the book and also donated meaningfully to the making of Osomaalo House a reality included: The businessman, industrialist, philanthropist, founder and CEO of Premier Lotto-Chief Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu (A.K.A Baba Ijebu), The Asiwaju of Ijesha Land-Chief Yinka Fasuyi, The Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos-Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, One time Senator representing Adamawa South -Senator Grace Folashade Bent and the businesswoman Mrs Modupe Oguntade.
Others were: The various Obas from the different parts of Yoruba Land in Ijesha Land, The Alara of Ilara Epe- His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo and his amiable Queen Consort-Oloori Omobolanle Ogunsanwo, The Vice Chancellor of Ilesha University-Professor Iyiola Oni, Princess Peju Sofowora, Chief Ajibola Awoseyi, Prince Bimbo Olasore, Bobagunwa Ayodeji Odeyemi, all members of the planning committee, illustrious sons and daughters of Ijesha Land that came to felicitate with Kabiesi and numerous friends and well wishers among others.
High point of the event was when the Obas, various groups and dignitaries came to pay homage to the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesha Land. Later, the historical book and the Prototype of The Osomaalo Building Project were unveiled for launch.
