The Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesha, Dr (Sir) Jacob Adetayo Haastrup has indicated his interest in becoming the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
The throne of Owa Obokun became vacant when the last occupier, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran joined his ancestors on September 11, 2024 at the age of 86.
Oba Aromolaran reigned for 42 years after his crowning on February 20, 1982, succeeding Oba Peter Agunlejika, who passed on in 1981.
Declaring his interest to succeed the late Oba Aromolaran, Dr Haastrup, who is the Director, Information and Communication at the National Hospital, Abuja, said 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 passage of Oba Aromolaran, the Olumobi said he waited for the traditional rites of passage for the departed king before declaring his intention.
“After much reflection, prayer to 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.”
In the statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen, Dr Haastrup sought the prayers and support of all Ijesas and kingmakers as he embarked on the journey, having occupied the traditional seat as the 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 said.
He unveiled a 12-point 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.
He also pledged to ensure the safety and well-being of all indigenes through proactive security measures, as well as engender empowerment and industrialisation 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.
The communication expert also offered to protect and advance the physical development of Ijesaland through infrastructure, land management, and community-driven projects.
He stressed the need to mobilize Ijesa sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora for their active participation in the progress of the land.
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, the aspirant assured that they would be organized into cooperatives towards accessing finance, as well as supporting them to maximise their productivity and the returns on their labour and investment.
In the same vein, Dr Haastrup said he would 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 house”, he pledged.
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Similarly, he assured that the 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.
Lastly, if given the opportunity to become the Owa Obokun, Olumobi offered to work with all MDAs to facilitate access to the rural areas and their overall development.
