PR Practitioner Haastrup Elevated to Beaded Crown Monarch in Osun
A prominent public relations practitioner and the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa, Oba Dr. Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, has been elevated to the status of a beaded crown monarch by the Osun State Government, marking his recognition as a Part II Oba with full rights to a staff of office.
The approval, ratified at a recent State Executive Council meeting, formally ends over nine years of his reign as a traditional head and affirms his new status within the state’s traditional hierarchy.
In a ceremony held at the Osun State Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, the monarch received his staff of office and instrument of appointment from the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, completing the elevation process.
The event attracted traditional rulers from Atakumosa East and Oriade Local Government Areas, as well as dignitaries, associates, and community stakeholders. Among them were the Olumolu of Imogbara, HRH Oba Bamidele Adeniji Adeyeye, and the Onikajola of Kajola Bowaje-Ijesa, Oba Adeola Ilesanmi Lukerede.
The elevation is widely regarded as a major boost to traditional governance and grassroots development in Ijesaland, reinforcing the growing influence of Imobi-Ijesa within the region.
Stakeholders described the development as historic, noting that it signals a new phase of growth and recognition for the community. Oba Haastrup has, over the years, been credited with impactful developmental initiatives, including electrification projects in Temidire, installation of transformers, and provision of boreholes.
The recognition also strengthens the standing of the Bilaro and Ajimoko ruling houses within the traditional leadership structure.
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Reacting to the elevation, the monarch expressed gratitude, describing it as “the hand of God” after years of perseverance. He acknowledged the support of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, for facilitating the recognition.
Special tribute was also paid to his wife, Olori Dame Hon. Justice Rakiya Bosede Haastrup, for her unwavering support throughout his journey.
Born on May 17, 1965, in Ilesa, Oba Haastrup hails from the Alaba family of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House. He began his education at St. John’s ‘B’ Primary School, Iloro, and later attended Ifewara High School.
He obtained a National Certificate in Education from the then Oyo State College of Education, Ilesa (now University of Ilesa), before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education (1991) and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (1994) from the University of Ilorin. He later obtained a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy Analysis from the University of Abuja in 2011.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Oba Haastrup is also a Certified Management Consultant. He previously represented the Federal Government on the council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and served on national committees under the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Installed as Olumobi in May 2016 by the late Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, he has continued to distinguish himself through leadership and commitment to community development, including contributions to the Ijesaland Geriatric Centre and other local initiatives.
Observers say his elevation to a beaded crown monarch is expected to further consolidate his leadership and accelerate development efforts in Imobi-Ijesa and surrounding communities.
By PRNigeria
