The former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, has formally declared his intention to contest for the prestigious Owa-Obokun throne of Ijesaland.
Haastrup, who served as Deputy Governor alongside the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke from January 1992 to November 1993, is vying for the position following the passing of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.
It would be recalled that the revered monarch, Oba Aromolaran, who was the 48th Owa-Obokun, passed away at the age of 86 after a remarkable reign of over 42 years. His passing marks the end of an era for Ijesaland, with the throne now open for succession. Oba Aromolaran succeeded Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika, who died in 1981.
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According to the rotational succession arrangement, it is now the turn of the Adesuyi Haastrup family to put forward a candidate for the throne.
As a prominent member of the royal family, Prince Haastrup brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors to his bid for the traditional leadership role.
Prince Haastrup, born on September 19, 1948, hails from the Ajimoko royal family in Ijesaland, Osun State. He had his early education at Eko Boys’ High School (1963-1967) and pursued further studies at the Federal School of Sciences, Lagos (1968-1969). He later earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., United States.
Upon returning to Nigeria in 1981, Haastrup ventured into politics and was elected Deputy Governor of Osun State in 1990. However, after his tenure ended, he decided to leave politics, focusing instead on business endeavors. In 2002, he founded ENL Consortium Limited, which has since evolved into a conglomerate with interests spanning power, port operations, estate development, hospitality, road construction, quarrying, and gold mining (currently under development) across Nigeria.
Under Haastrup’s leadership, ENL Consortium Limited has established itself as a significant player in various sectors, executing major contracts with government agencies such as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Housing Authority (FHA), and the Federal Road Management Authority (FERMA). His dedication to public service has also extended to chairing various committees and boards, including the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and electoral committees for gubernatorial, senatorial, and House of Representatives primary elections.
Haastrup is also a well-known philanthropist, whose foundation has awarded scholarships to over 500 students, both locally and internationally. His charitable efforts reflect his commitment to improving the well-being of society, a trait that has endeared him to many within and beyond Ijesaland.
With the Owa-Obokun throne vacant, Haastrup’s candidacy is seen by many as a natural progression, given his background in leadership and his royal lineage. As he embarks on this quest for the throne, he brings not only his extensive experience but also a vision for the continued development and cultural preservation of Ijesaland.
Prince Clement Haastrup, a devout Christian, remains grounded in his faith, attributing all his accomplishments to divine providence. He is happily married and blessed with children.
The contest for the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland throne is expected to draw significant attention in the coming weeks, as the people of Ijesaland anticipate a new chapter in the history of their ancient city.
