Prince Adesuyi Haastrup was selected as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in December, 2024.
The process has however been been challenged in court on two fronts.
Investigation shows that the Arimoro lineage and Ofokutu lineage both of whom are members of the Owa Bilaro Oluodo Dynasty challenged the emergence of the new royal father.
The Arimoro’s alleged that the Ajimokos that produced chief Haastrup were not supposed to be in the race because they ruled the last two consecutive times when the throne was ceeded to the Bilaro Dynasy in 1896 and 1942 respectively.
Consequently, according to the amended writ of summon filed in court and published in two national dailies, the Arimoros alleged that Haastrup was chosen through a process that completely contravenes the law guiding the traditional stool and the rule of law.
Recalled that the law suit which started in February, 2025 is being over stretched because the first defendant and his lawyers kept denying the receipt for services of summons.
This led the Arimoros seeking court order through their Counsel Chief Taiwo Kupolati (SAN)on July 3rd 2025 to present substituted service through pasting the writ of summon and other documents in the palace as well as publishing it in the national dailies. An Order which was granted by Justice M.O Agboola.
Interestingly,Eye witnesses allegedly watched on the 16th July 2025 as the court baliff was refused demonstrating his legal duties by men who introduced themselves as OPC in the palace environment.
With the granted order for substituted service, it seems that legal processes into the traditional stool tussle may have started.
Efforts to reach Prince Kayode Michael Adewale Arimoro, a Harvard trained startups professional and strategic negotiator who is the first line candidate for the Arimoro lineage for comment however proved abortive.
