The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr.) Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has appointed Professor Samuel Oni as the new Oba Odo of Ilesa following the suspension of the former titleholder, Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi, who was accused of stealing two electricity transformers belonging to the community. The installation ceremony took place earlier this week in Ilesa, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the Odo quarters of Ijesaland.
Oba Haastrup, while speaking at the installation event, stated that the kingdom could not afford to leave such an important chieftaincy position vacant for long, especially given the crucial role it plays in the traditional and administrative structure of Ijesaland. He emphasized that the selection of Professor Oni was based on his impeccable integrity, moral uprightness, and extensive contributions to academia and public service.
The monarch described the new Oba Odo as a man of wisdom, knowledge, and character, who is expected to bring intellectual and ethical values into traditional leadership. According to Oba Haastrup, “Ijesaland needs leaders who can combine traditional wisdom with modern knowledge. Professor Oni represents that balance he is a scholar, an administrator, and a son of the soil whose integrity is beyond question.”
Before his appointment, Professor Oni had established himself as a renowned academic and scholar in the field of political science and public administration. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated with honors. His quest for advanced knowledge led him to Covenant University, Ota, where he obtained both his Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Political Science. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to learning, leadership, and community service.
Over the years, Professor Oni has built an impressive academic career, lecturing and conducting research across several universities and research institutes in Nigeria. His areas of specialization include public governance, legislative studies, public policy analysis, e-government, and conflict studies. He has also published numerous scholarly articles in both local and international journals, contributing significantly to intellectual discourse in the field of governance and political science.
Colleagues and students of Professor Oni describe him as a disciplined, visionary, and humble intellectual whose passion for teaching and research is only matched by his dedication to societal transformation. His reputation as a scholar of high repute, coupled with his integrity and commitment to transparency, made him an ideal choice for the traditional office.
Speaking at the installation, Oba Haastrup instructed his chiefs to perform all necessary traditional rites and ensure that the transition of power was smooth. The Owa noted that the Odo chieftaincy is too vital to the unity and development of Ilesa to be left in controversy or leadership vacuum. He charged the new Oba Odo to work closely with other traditional leaders to restore peace, discipline, and community trust.
The former Oba Odo, Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi, was suspended after being accused of stealing two transformers meant to serve the Araromi community in Ilesa. Despite being summoned to return the transformers, he allegedly failed to do so, prompting the Owa to relieve him of his duties. Gbadamosi was later arrested by the police for questioning, following petitions from community members and reports submitted to the Owa’s Panel on Conduct, Chieftaincy Matters, and Boundary Disputes.
Community members expressed optimism that the installation of Professor Oni would usher in a new era of moral and developmental leadership in the Odo quarters. Many residents who spoke to The Nigeria Education News described the appointment as a blessing, noting that the new Oba Odo’s educational background and exposure would enhance the modernization of traditional administration in Ilesa.
In his brief acceptance remarks, Professor Oni expressed gratitude to the Owa Obokun for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to serve with fairness, humility, and dedication, noting that his vision is to build a community rooted in education, ethics, and unity. “This position is not just an honour; it is a call to serve. I will ensure that the Odo quarters become a model of peaceful coexistence and progressive development,” he stated.
Scholars across Osun State have also lauded Oba Haastrup’s decision, describing it as a bold step toward blending academia and traditional leadership. They observed that installing an academic as a traditional ruler represents a positive shift toward evidence-based community governance and intellectual stewardship in traditional settings.
As the new Oba Odo of Ilesa, Professor Samuel Oni is expected to bring a unique combination of academic excellence and moral integrity to his traditional role. His emergence symbolizes a new wave of educated leadership within Ijesaland, one that values both knowledge and culture, and seeks to harmonize tradition with modern governance ideals for the progress of the community.
