The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland
Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, known regally as Owa Ajimoko III, was officially installed as the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland on December 29, 2024. The ceremony, held at the entrance of Obokungbusi Town Hall in Ilesa, Osun State, featured the presentation of the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment by Governor Ademola Adeleke. Distinguished attendees included Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Other prominent traditional rulers.
Background and Career
Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup was born on September 19, 1948, into the Ajimoko royal family of Ijesaland. He pursued his early education at Eko Boys High School and later obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Upon returning to Nigeria in 1981, he ventured into politics and served as the Deputy Governor of Osun State from January 1992 to November 1993 under Governor Isiaka Adeleke.
Beyond politics, Oba Haastrup is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded ENL Consortium Limited in 2002, a conglomerate with interests in power, port operations, hospitality and estate development. His philanthropic efforts are channeled through the Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to students both locally and internationally.
Vision for Ijesaland
In his inaugural address, Oba Haastrup emphasized unity among the Ijesa people, stating, "The time for the contest is now over. Let us come together and unite to build a stronger and more prosperous future for all the people of Ijesaland. For me, there is ‘No Victor, No Vanquished!’" He outlined plans to establish a vocational school aimed at training artisans to boost local production ad to develop a mechanized farm in Ilesa for the cultivation of rice and other food crops.
