Owa Obokun Inaugurates Obokungbusi Hall of Fame, Warns Against Political Violence in Ijesaland

Easter Sunday 2026 marked a historic day in Ijesaland as His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, officially inaugurated the Obokungbusi Hall of Fame, celebrating the kingdom’s most distinguished sons and daughters. In his keynote speech, Owa Obokun emphasized the need to preserve Ijesa heritage, foster sustainable development, and inspire the younger generation to embrace education, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. He described the Hall of Fame as “a permanent home for the stories, sacrifices, and achievements that have shaped Ijesaland.” Among the 15 inductees were: I.K. Dairo, legendary musician and MBE recipient Prince Abiodun Lufadeju, composer of the Ijesa anthem Late Dr. Lawrence Omole, industrialist and founder of International Breweries Pa Folorunso Awomolo, founder of Imo Hills Farm Dame Eunice Olayinka Obaleye, MON, KJW JP, founder of Yinka Oba Foam and philanthropist Historical icons such as Alexander Sapara Williams, CMG, Nigeria’s first lawyer, and Oguntola Odunbaku, CMG, pioneering physician Ten Merit Awardees completing the 15 honourees. In a stern warning to political actors ahead of upcoming state and national elections, Owa Obokun condemned political violence in Ijesaland. He vowed that sponsors of thuggery and bloodshed will face consequences under both tradition and law. Lamenting recent loss of lives, the monarch stressed that the palace will no longer tolerate political violence, urging leaders to call their followers to order. He further warned that individuals and families involved in political thuggery risk banishment and ostracisation from Ijesaland. The event, recorded and uploaded by Toba Adesunmiboye on the IjesaNews YouTube Channel, drew traditional rulers, community leaders, and well-wishers from across the kingdom, celebrating Ijesa legends while reinforcing the values of integrity, service, and communal responsibility.