The ancient town of Imobi Ijesa in Atakunmosa East Central LCDA, Osun State was recently agog as captain of industries, technocrats,and royal fathers joined the natural ruler of the town, Oba(Dr) Adetayo Haastrup to celebrate his fifth coronation anniversary.
In the presence of all, Oba Adetayo Haastrup in company of his wife Justice Rakiya Haastrup brought their offerings before their creator at the St.Phillps Anglican Church Imobi Iwara.
In his sermon, the vicar of the church, Venerable Peter Omoleye harped on the need for individuals to cultivate the habit of praising God in all circumstance.
Venerable Omoleye who described Oba(,Dr) Adetayo Haastrup as a gift to the people of Imobi Ijesa, explained that his reign has been laced with human and community development.
While observing that there is no gainsaying the fact that the sleepy town of Imobi has had a good feel of his leadership with intervention programmes, which has been some of his cardinal agenda to uplift the community,the clergy called on the traditional ruler not to forget his God,and always thank him at all times and in all conditions.
In his speech spiced with songs of praises to God,the Olumobi of Imobi Ijesa, Oba(Dr) Adetayo Haastrup described his ascension to the throne as a divine call.
According to Oba Haastrup”I was never interested in becoming a monarch,but providence played its role and to the glory of God,my kingdom Imobi Ijesa is growing.
My ascension to the throne of my forefathers has placed a heavy responsibility on me, because being king is not something anyone can be fully prepared for. Also, at this time in history, the expectations of people from their king are enormous. Imobi Ijesa needs to become a more modern town with vast infrastructural development, increase in commercial activities, youth and women empowerment, introduction of mechanised farming and many more too numerous to mention.
It is my wish to make Imobi the envy of other towns in Nigeria and no doubt the potentials are there and willingness is there too. As king I will use all my vast contacts, experience and energy to lift my people up to achieve their best.
All I dream or think about now is how to develop Imobi and please my people. And I know, with God, all things are possible and I will leave an indelible mark in the annals of the history of Imobi Ijesa by the grace of God”
Oba Haastrup therefore used the occasion to thank the entire people of Imobi for their unflinching love and support for him and also preach love among indigenes, maintaining that no community can grow in the absence of love.
Several dignitaries present at the occasion including the Elegboro of Ijebu Jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye,Abikeyin Ekun the second, Sawe of Ilesa,High Chief Akinwande Ayinde Akinola,
Provost,Osun State College of Education Ilesa, Professor Labayo Kazeem,
described Oba Adetayo Haastrup as an enigma of peace who is ever passionate about the development of his people.
They urged wealthy sons and daughters of Imobi Ijesa to corroborate the lofty ideals of taking their country home to greater heights as being propelled by Oba Haastrup.
Oba (Dr)Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, is a distinguished public administrator, policy analyst, communication consultant, and a human resource manager.
He was born in Ilesa, to late Prince Emmanuel Aderogba Haastrup and late Mama Juliana Abike Haastrup (nee Areola).He is from Alaba Family of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House of Ijesaland.
He was traditionally installed as Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa on 21st of May,2016 by the Owa Obokun Adimula and paramount ruler of Ijesa land, Oba (Dr)Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.
He was installed as the 8th Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa and also the 3rd Ajimoko –Haastrup family member to become the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa. Oba Alexander Adejumola Haastrup,( Ajimoko the 2nd ) was the 1st Lumobi, and the late Loja Adeyeye Haastrup was the 2nd Lumobi. Dr.Jacob Adetayo Haastrup became the 3rd Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa from the Ajimoko family.
To say that his choice was very popular was to state the obvious. Elders, youths, women and daughters of Imobi, market women religious leaders of all faiths and all segments of the society were very elated and believed that new era had arrived. He has not disappointed in the five years he had been on the throne. He has demonstrated the determination to improve the lot of his people, to improve the quality of their lives, to make a difference and to show that not all traditional rulers are predatory.
In the last five years, he has accomplished the following:
-Facilitating International Breweries, Ilesa to donate standard boreholes.
– Resuscitation of the moribund Iwara market which has been a uniting force and significant market in the entire communities.
– Helping in job placement for youths, among whom is the young Imobi lady now in the Nigerian Navy.
– Divinely acceptance by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, who visited and prayed for Imobi land.
– Peaceful religious tolerance.
– Regular town meetings with Chiefs and Elders of the community (Ajo Ilu)
– Promoting peaceful co- existence among the 4 towns, namely; Iwara, Igbigbon, Odo-Agbebo and Imobi.
The fifth coronation anniversary of Oba(Dr) Adetayo Haastrup featured the commissioning of a motorized borehole, presentation of a tricycle to ease transportation, distribution of clothing materials and grinding machines to the widows
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