RCCG pastor, Haastrup, joins race for Oba of Ilesa throne

Prince Alexander Adewale Haastrup, from the family of the Late Owa Obokun Adimula of IjesaLand, Oba Frederick Kumokun Adedeji Haastrup, Ajimoko I, of the Bilaro Royal Ruling House in Ilesa (1896-1901), has joined the race for the vacant throne of Owa of Ilesa.

Haastrup, whose father was Prince Samuel Adetunji Haastrup, who passed away in 2018, stated that he entered the race to contribute to the development of his town and its people.

“I joined the race because, as people with a common destiny, we need to come together and make our land of nativity a place of praise on earth. Nobody will come and fix the town for us. It is a challenge to us all,” he said during a chat with The Guardian in Ilorin.

The Prince, a Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and aged 57, stressed his commitment to upholding unity and harmony among Ijesa communities, promoting economic development, and initiating empowerment programmes for the people of Ijesa land.

Additionally, Haastrup promised to focus on cultural revival and preservation, education and human capital development, as well as infrastructure growth and modernisation.

Currently, he serves as the Regional Administrator of RCCG and is the Pastor in Charge of a Zone in Delta State. Before joining RCCG, Haastrup worked across Nigeria as a manager, administrator and accountant.

He holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration from Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State, and an HND in Business Administration from Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State.

He obtained his NYSC certificate in 2014 and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (ACIPM), among other professional bodies.

Recall that Ilesa has four ruling houses: Biladu Ruling House, Bilagbayo Ruling House, Bilayiarere Ruling House, and Bilaro Ruling House. Haastrup hails from the Bilaro Ruling House.