Why Owa dissolves North America Ijesa group, grants Canada chapter autonomy to quell leadership crisis

The monarch’s intervention aims to halt internal wrangling that has plagued the USA chapter, despite repeated reconciliation attempts, including those by his predecessor, the late Oba Dr Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.

The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has intervened in the lingering leadership crisis within the national council of Egbe Omo Obokun of Ijesaland in the United States and Canada.

For over five years, the USA chapter of the association has been embroiled in internal wrangling and divisions, despite several reconciliation efforts by prominent Ijesa sons and daughters, including the late Owa, Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.

Speaking on the development, Oba Haastrup lamented that his earlier efforts to restore peace had not yielded lasting results. In a strongly worded statement, the monarch expressed regret over the ongoing discord, warning that the prolonged crisis was threatening to weaken the unity of Ijesa indigenes in the diaspora.

To safeguard harmony and restore stability, Kabiyesi announced decisive measures aimed at preventing the situation from escalating further.

Canada Chapter Gets Autonomy

Among the new directives, the Owa Obokun declared that the Canada Chapter of the association would now operate as a fully independent body, representing Ijesas in Canada with full authority to conduct its own elections and manage its affairs.

He also ordered the indefinite suspension of the proposed national election initially scheduled for October 5, 2025, directing all North American chapters to focus on their internal leadership and governance without external interference.

Oba Haastrup further assured that elections conducted under this arrangement would be recognized by him and the Owa-in-Council. The current structure, he said, would remain in place for at least three years before the possibility of reviving a national council would be reconsidered.

Sources confirmed that Oba Haastrup, on Tuesday, met with the two major chairmanship aspirants, Prince Samuel Babalola (Chicago Chapter) and Engr. Ayoola Odeyemi (New York Chapter), alongside members of the electoral committee.

During the meeting, the monarch reportedly urged Engr. Odeyemi to step down for the sake of peace, advising that the association should select one candidate by consensus rather than proceed with a divisive election.

Although members of Odeyemi’s camp described the decision as “unfair,” they agreed to comply out of respect for the royal stool but requested a refund of the $1,000 nomination fee already paid.

Mixed Reactions Trail the Decision

Apostle John Adejuyigbe posed for photograph with Owa, during the monarch’s visit to America in June 2025

The Monarch’s decision has generated mixed reactions among members of the association.

Hon. Adewale Alonge of the Indianapolis Chapter expressed disappointment, warning that the development could lead to further fragmentation of the group.

“This forum will soon fall apart as people ask for refunds and return to their local chapters. We were hopeful of reconciliation after years of paralysis caused by power struggles. Sadly, it’s always about positions, not development,” he said.

From the Calgary Chapter in Canada, Olori Funmilayo Adedeji faulted the committee that met with the monarch, saying members were not adequately briefed on the reasons behind Kabiyesi’s directive for both chairmanship candidates to step down.

Sources revealed that the Owa’s decision followed a petition filed by Special Apostle John Adejuyigbe of the Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter, prompting an emergency royal meeting. Concerned that the election could trigger fresh divisions, the monarch reportedly offered compensation to the affected aspirant to ensure peace.

While some hailed the Owa’s intervention as timely and necessary, others argued that the mounting pressure on the monarch from competing interests might have influenced his decision.

In a passionate statement, Kayode Adelowokan from the Houston Chapter called for introspection among Ijesas in the diaspora, warning that persistent disunity was eroding their cultural heritage.

“Will our children want to carry on our heritage if all they see is division and ego?” he asked.
“Many of our Obas have children abroad, yet few associate with our Egbe. Parents now pay teachers to teach their children Yoruba. Our culture is fading while we fight over positions.”

Adelowokan urged members to heed the Owa’s call for peace and focus on strengthening their local chapters.

“The Paramount Ruler has spoken. Let us listen, obey, and build genuine community bonds. That’s how we can preserve our legacy as Ijesa sons and daughters in the diaspora,” he concluded.

As the dust settles, all eyes are now on the Egbe Omo Obokun chapters across North America to see whether Oba Haastrup’s royal intervention will finally restore lasting peace, or deepen the cracks within one of Ijesaland’s most influential diaspora bodies.