...Calls for Selfless Leadership, Unity and Support for Owa Haastrup's Development Agenda
...Owa Ajimoko III Reaffirms Commitment to Forefathers' Legacies as Royal Family Celebrates Historic Anniversary
The colourful activities marking the 70th remembrance anniversary of the late Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II, the 37th Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, may have ended, but the powerful messages of leadership, service to humanity, unity and preservation of royal heritage delivered during the celebrations will continue to resonate across Ijesaland.
The two-day commemoration, held on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026, brought together members of the Ajimoko royal dynasty, traditional rulers, princes, princesses, religious leaders and other distinguished personalities to honour the memory of a monarch whose legacy remains significant seven decades after his passing.
However, beyond the colourful royal procession, family gatherings, thanksgiving and grand reception, the strongest message of the anniversary came from the pulpit of the Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa, where retired Bishop James Oluwasegun challenged political leaders and influential individuals to make their positions count in the lives of ordinary people.
LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT IMPACT, NOT POSITION — BISHOP
Delivering the sermon during the thanksgiving service on Sunday, Bishop Oluwasegun reminded political officeholders, traditional leaders and other influential personalities that leadership should be measured by positive contributions to society rather than the privileges attached to positions of authority.
He urged those entrusted with power and influence to prioritise the welfare of the people, promote community development and leave behind legacies that future generations would remember with appreciation.
The cleric's message was particularly significant as Ijesaland gathered to celebrate a monarch whose contributions to the development of the land remain part of its historical heritage 70 years after his death.
Bishop Oluwasegun also stressed the importance of unity among the Ijesa people, calling on individuals, families and community leaders to put collective interests above personal differences.
He specifically urged the people to rally behind the developmental vision of the current Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
According to the retired bishop, the progress of Ijesaland requires cooperation, mutual understanding and sustained support for initiatives capable of improving the lives of the people.
HAASTRUP FAMILY'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO IJESALAND REMEMBERED
Reflecting on the history of the Haastrup dynasty, Bishop Oluwasegun acknowledged the family's contributions to the political, traditional, religious and social development of Ijesaland.
He recalled the family's historical involvement during the Kiriji War and the roles played by successive generations, including Oba Frederick Kumokun Haastrup, Ajimoko I, and Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II.
The cleric also highlighted the family's contributions to the growth of Christianity, particularly the Methodist Church at Otapete, Ilesa.
He observed that the history of Methodism in the community would remain incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of the Haastrup family.
The bishop equally recognised the current Owa Obokun's role in sustaining the family's tradition of leadership and service to Ijesaland.
OWA HAASTRUP GIVES THANKS, PRAYS FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
One of the memorable moments of the thanksgiving service was the participation of the Owa Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, in worship and thanksgiving to Almighty God.
The royal father expressed profound gratitude to God for the prevailing peace in Ijesaland and the opportunity to commemorate the 70th anniversary of his grandfather's passing.
He described the occasion as historically significant, particularly because the paramount throne of Ijesaland is once again occupied by a descendant of the Ajimoko royal lineage.
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The monarch acknowledged the contributions of traditional institutions to the peace and development of Ijesaland and offered prayers for members of the Ajimoko family.
He also sought divine wisdom, guidance and strength to fulfil his responsibilities as the paramount ruler.
Owa Haastrup reaffirmed his determination to pursue his developmental vision for Ijesaland and appealed for continued prayers, cooperation and support from the people.
He expressed optimism that, through collective commitment and divine guidance, the aspirations for a more prosperous and united Ijesaland would become reality.
SATURDAY'S ROYAL WALK AND DYNASTY GATHERING
The commemorative activities had commenced on Saturday with a royal walk through selected streets of Ilesa, celebrating the memory of Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II.
The procession formed part of the activities honouring the late monarch and celebrating the enduring heritage of the Ajimoko royal dynasty.
Later in the day, princes and princesses of the Ajimoko lineage gathered at the Obokungbusi Hall of Fame for a special memorial programme.
Addressing the royal family, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, reiterated his commitment to preserving and building upon the legacies of his predecessors, particularly Oba Frederick Kumokun Haastrup, Ajimoko I, and Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II.
The gathering provided an opportunity for members of the dynasty to reflect on their ancestry, strengthen family bonds and renew their commitment to the preservation of their shared heritage.
FAMILY UNITY TAKES CENTRE STAGE
Speaking during the remembrance activities, the Head of the Haastrup Family Worldwide, Prince Gabriel Adeleke Haastrup, expressed delight at the successful commemoration.
He described the anniversary as particularly meaningful and urged descendants of the family, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain united.
Prince Haastrup emphasised the importance of maintaining cordial relationships, preserving family traditions and ensuring that the values inherited from their ancestors are passed on to future generations.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Organising Committee and Lumobi of Imobi Ijesa, Oba Dr. Adetayo Haastrup, described the anniversary as an important occasion for celebrating the family's history.
He encouraged family members living outside Ijesaland to maintain close connections with their ancestral home and participate actively in family activities.
According to him, the preservation of family heritage requires deliberate efforts by both older and younger generations.
COLOURFUL CULTURAL NIGHT LIGHTS UP OWA OBOKUN'S PALACE
As part of Saturday's activities commemorating the 70th remembrance anniversary of the 37th Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II, a colourful cultural night was held at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Ilesa. The memorable evening celebrated the rich cultural heritage, royal traditions and historical legacies of the Ijesa people, adding glamour to the anniversary programme. The palace provided a fitting setting for the celebration of Ijesa identity, ancestral pride and the enduring legacy of the late monarch. Beyond the cultural displays and festive atmosphere, the remembrance night served as a symbolic bridge between generations, reaffirming the importance of preserving the customs, values and traditions handed down by the forebears of Ijesaland. The occasion further underscored the historical significance of the Ajimoko dynasty and the continuity of its royal heritage under the reign of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
GRAND RECEPTION CROWNS HISTORIC CELEBRATION
Following Sunday's thanksgiving service, a colourful reception brought the commemorative activities to a memorable conclusion.
The reception provided another opportunity for members of the Ajimoko dynasty, traditional rulers, distinguished guests and well-wishers to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the late monarch.
The gathering also witnessed an impressive show of solidarity and goodwill towards the reigning Owa Obokun, Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
The atmosphere reflected the significance of the occasion to the royal family and the wider Ijesa community.
70 YEARS AFTER, THE MESSAGE REMAINS RELEVANT
Although the celebrations have ended, the central message delivered during the thanksgiving service remains a timely reminder to everyone entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
Seven decades after the passing of Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II, his descendants and the people of Ijesaland continue to celebrate his memory.
The anniversary demonstrated that the true value of leadership is not merely in occupying an exalted position but in the lasting contributions made to humanity and society.
For the people of Ijesaland, the occasion was more than a royal family remembrance. It was an opportunity to reflect on the past, appreciate the present and renew hopes for the future.
And perhaps the greatest lesson from the historic celebration is the message that echoed from the Methodist Church pulpit: Those privileged to lead today must remember that history will ultimately judge them by the lives they touched and the legacies they leave behind.
COMMENDATION FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE
As the curtains fell on the historic 70th remembrance anniversary of Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II, special appreciation went to the members of the Planning Committee, led by its Chairman, the Lumobi of Imobi Ijesa, Oba Dr. Adetayo Haastrup, for their dedication, commitment and tireless efforts towards the successful organisation of the two-day celebration. From the royal walk and cultural night to the family memorial gathering, church thanksgiving service and grand reception, the committee's coordination contributed immensely to the memorable occasion. The contributions of the Head of the Haastrup Family Worldwide, Prince Gabriel Adeleke Haastrup, alongside other committee members, princes, princesses, family elders and supporters, also deserve recognition. Their collective efforts demonstrated the strength of family unity and the importance of preserving royal heritage. Indeed, while the celebrations have come and gone, the memories will linger, and the legacy of Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II, will continue to inspire generations yet unborn.
📸 PHOTO NEWS: (Credit: Isaac Haastrup)
Memorable scenes from the royal walk, Ajimoko dynasty memorial gathering, Sunday thanksgiving service at Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa, and the grand reception celebrating the 70th remembrance anniversary of Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup, Ajimoko II.
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