The Cathedral Church of St. John, Iloro, Ilesa, was aglow with thanksgiving, royal splendour, and spiritual solemnity as it hosted the New Year Royal Visit of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Sir Dr. Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
The historic visit commenced with a grand and colourful welcome for the Imperial Majesty, accompanied by members of his royal entourage, esteemed traditional rulers, chiefs, and members of the Owa-in-Council. The majestic entry into the Cathedral underscored the age-long cordial relationship between the Palace and the Church.
The worship service opened with the processional hymn, “Ọkàn mi yin Ọba Ọrun,” after which the first part of the Holy Communion was led by the Very Rev. David Iyinola Fadugba. The Old Testament lesson was read by Sir Prince Samson Ataiyero, the Epistle by Ven. Olu Ariyo, while the Gospel reading was taken by Ven. Isaac Ayita.
Preaching during the service, the Diocesan , The Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo F. Asaju, stated that the gathering was to give thanks to God for the New Year and formally receive the Owa Obokun at his spiritual home. He expressed deep appreciation to the royal fathers who accompanied His Imperial Majesty and warmly welcomed the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, the Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese of Ilesa, clergy, knights, and other distinguished dignitaries.
The Bishop emphasized that the Cathedral Church of St. John, Iloro, Ilesa, remains the spiritual seat of the Owa Obokun, noting that it is a cherished tradition for the Owa to worship at the Cathedral, participate in major diocesan celebrations, including the Jesus Celebration, and join the Church in prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of Ijesaland.
To further affirm the historic and spiritual bond between the monarchy and the Church, the Diocesan conferred on His Imperial Majesty the Knighthood of the Order of St. John (KSJ).
Preaching from Isaiah 60:1–6 and Matthew 2:1–12, 19–23, the Diocesan lamented the growing unrest and lack of peace in the world, stressing that true and lasting peace can only be found in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He recalled how King Herod, driven by fear and selfish ambition, sought to kill the infant Jesus in order to protect his throne, even ordering the slaughter of innocent children. This, he said, remains a timeless warning against ungodly leadership and abuse of power.
The Bishop traced the advent of Christianity in Ijesaland, recounting how missionaries arrived over a century ago and how Owa Obokun Ofokutu generously donated the land on which the Cathedral Church of St. John, the Bishop’s Court, and what is now the Ilesa Anglican Heritage City were established. According to him, this singular act laid a spiritual foundation that produced renowned Christian leaders from Ijesaland.
He cited notable Christian figures such as Babatope, Babalola, Pa Elton, David Hinderer, and Mojola Agbebi, describing them as enduring fruits of the harmonious relationship between the Palace and the Church. He further noted that the Cathedral, built and dedicated in 1872, later established the Iloro Schools, which have educated generations of Ijesa sons and daughters.
The Diocesan affirmed that God alone enthrones kings and rules over the affairs of nations, citing biblical examples including Saul, David, and Solomon. He stressed that a ruler can be godly and holy, and that when a king fears God, his reign is marked by peace and prosperity. Speaking on Owa Ajimoko III, he described him as a seasoned administrator and a prophetic leader for his time.
The Bishop urged His Imperial Majesty to serve God faithfully, uphold justice, pursue inclusive development, create employment opportunities, and champion moral renewal, particularly among the youths. He charged all traditional rulers to remember God on the throne, noting that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.
At the close of the sermon, the Diocesan formally welcomed Owa Sir Dr. Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, to the Cathedral and offered prayers for the Owa, the Obas-in-Council, the chiefs, the Church, and the entire Ijesaland.
Following the sermon, the Knighthood of the Order of St. John was conferred on His Imperial Majesty and his Olori, with Mama Ijesa, Barr. (Mrs.) Harriet ’Seun Dapo-Asaju, performing the decoration. The Diocese of Ilesa also presented a gift to the Owa in commemoration of the visit.
Ven. Dr. Posi Aduroja led the Creed and Intercessory prayers, while the Provost of the Cathedral, Very Rev. Akintunde Morakinyo Fademi, celebrated the Holy Communion on behalf of the Diocesan.
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In his response, Owa Sir Dr. Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, expressed profound gratitude to God and reaffirmed his total allegiance to God Almighty. He urged Obas and chiefs to place the collective progress and development of Ijesaland above personal interests and offered prayers for the Church and the land. He also rendered thanksgiving to God through joyful dancing and offering.
The service came to a solemn and joyful close with final prayers and the benediction pronounced by the Diocesan, marking a spiritually uplifting beginning to the New Year for the Diocese of Ilesa and the entire Ijesaland.
Source: Ilesa Diocese Anglican Communion Facebook page
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