Shola Akinyele
A powerful and emotional outburst by the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has sent shockwaves across Nigeria after he issued a fierce warning to politicians allegedly fueling violence in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Speaking before a packed audience in Ilesa on Easter Sunday, the monarch condemned the recent wave of killings in Ijesaland, revealing that three indigenes had been murdered within just three weeks. His remarks quickly shifted what began as a celebratory cultural event into a moment of deep concern and national attention.
Visibly angered, Owa Haastrup questioned how many more lives would be lost before the August 8, 2026 election, declaring that the bloodshed tied to political ambition had become unacceptable. He criticised politicians who, according to him, keep their families safely abroad while violence is unleashed on innocent people at home.
“Ijesas are not chickens,” he said firmly, drawing loud applause from the audience, which included Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
In a moment that has since gone viral across social media, the monarch issued a chilling warning to those responsible for political violence. Switching to Yoruba, he invoked a spiritual consequence, declaring that anyone who continues to sponsor killings would face divine judgment, adding that wherever they hide their children—whether abroad or elsewhere—the fire of God would consume them. The declaration was met with a thunderous “Amen” from the crowd.
Beyond the spiritual warning, the monarch took a firm political stance, vowing that any individual linked to violence would be banished from Ijesaland and denied access to the land. He warned that if another life is lost, the people of Ijesaland would be mobilised, and those responsible would no longer be welcomed in the region, regardless of their political status.
The emotional remarks came during a Hall of Fame ceremony honouring distinguished Ijesa sons and daughters, including legendary juju musician I. K. Dairo. What was meant to be a day of celebration quickly turned into a platform for addressing the growing insecurity threatening the peace of the land.
Earlier in the day, the palace had issued a statement raising alarm over increasing incidents of lawlessness and hooliganism. The statement alleged links between political actors and individuals previously stripped of their traditional titles, warning that such associations could destabilise the long-standing peace in Ijesaland. It also cited recent incidents of vandalism and unlawful entry into a chieftaincy property, urging security agencies to act swiftly before the situation escalates further.
Despite his strong tone, Owa Haastrup called on religious leaders across all faiths to promote peace and unity, urging them to speak against violence and guide their followers toward lawful conduct. He reiterated that his primary duty as a traditional ruler is to protect lives and ensure stability across Ijesaland.
The monarch’s remarks have sparked intense reactions nationwide, with many Nigerians praising his bold stance while others call for urgent intervention by authorities to address the root causes of political violence. As the Osun governorship election approaches, concerns continue to grow over the safety of citizens and the possibility of further unrest.
The warning from Ijesaland’s paramount ruler now stands as one of the strongest condemnations yet of political violence in the state, underscoring the urgency of maintaining peace as Nigeria moves closer to another critical election season.
This is a developing story.
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