Ijeshaland Vacant Throne: Jacob Haastrup Joins Race, Unveils 12-Point ‘Development Agenda’
The Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesha, Dr (Sir) Jacob Adetayo Haastrup has joined the list of leading aspirants to the vacant Ijesaland throne.
Recall that the throne became vacant when the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran joined his ancestors on September 11, 2024, at the age of 86.
Oba Aromolaran had spent 42 years on the throne having become the Owa Obokun on February 20, 1982, succeeding Oba Peter Agunlejika, who passed on in 1981.
Declaring his interest to become the next Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Dr Haastrup, who is the Director, Information and Communication at the National Hospital, Abuja, noted in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com that his decision followed strict adherence to the revered traditions of Ijesaland.
While also offering his heartfelt condolences to the entire people of Ijesaland over the passing of Oba Aromolaran, the Olumobi noted that he had waited for the traditional rites of passage for the departed king before declaring his intention.
‘After much reflection, prayers for guidance from the Almighty King of Kings, and consultations with my family, friends, associates, and all well-wishers, I, Olumobi Dr. Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, of the Ajimoko Haastrup Bilaro Ruling House of Ijesaland, hereby formally declare my intention to contest the vacant stool of Owa-Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland’ he said.
Dr Haastrup sought the prayers and support of all Ijesas and the kingmakers as he embarks on this journey, having occupied a traditional seat (head of Imobi Ijesas) for the past seven and a half years.
He highlighted his interest in serving Ijesaland as his personal mission inspired by the late Oba Aromolaran through a certificate issued to him as Olumobi.
‘My personal mission, inspired by the words of our late father, who in his certificate issued to me said, ‘Thank you for what you have done and more to do for Ijesaland’, is to serve with devotion and integrity.
With unwavering faith in God Almighty, I pray that all things work together for the good of Ijesaland and its people’ Dr Haastrup added.
He has also unveiled a 12-point development agenda for Ijesaland which include uniting the entire Ijesaland to foster a strong and united community, and bringing all the people together under the banner of progress and peace.
Dr Haastrup also pledged to ensure the safety and well-being of all indigenes through proactive security measures, as well as engender empowerment and industrialization by driving industrial growth and providing sustainable job opportunities.
The aspirant to the Owa throne also promised to empower the younger generation through educational programmes and vocational training to ensure their personal and professional growth.
Dr Hastrup, a communication expert, also offered to protect and advance the physical development of Ijesaland through infrastructure, land management, and community-driven projects.
He emphasized the need to mobilize Ijesa sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora for their active participation in the progress of Ijesha people and the ancient city.
In addition, the Olumobi undertakes to promote and upgrade the Iwude Ijesa Festival by elevating the festival to an international level, “showcasing our rich cultural heritage to the world.”
On farmers and artisans, he assured that they would be organized into cooperatives towards accessing finance, as well as support them to maximize their productivity and the returns on their labour and investment.
Dr Haastrup also promised to upgrade Oke Emese and the Office of all the Chiefs and establish a general office and meeting hall for the Chiefs.
‘In addition, I plan to support each of the 13 High Chiefs in having a fully functional office within their respective chieftaincy houses’ he said.
Similarly, he assured that mining activities in Ijesaland will be sanitized and developed by working with relevant MDAs for the physical and the economic development of Ijesaland; ensuring maximum returns for all stakeholders including the communities, investors and government
The Olumobi said he would ensure that market women are supported while more localized markets are established across Ijesaland while adding that if given the opportunity to become the next Owa Obokun, he will work with the MDAs to facilitate access to the rural areas and their overall development-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
