Prince Alexander Adewale Haastrup, a prominent pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has announced his candidacy for the vacant throne of the Owa of Ilesa.
The 57-year-old Prince, a member of the respected Bilaro Royal Ruling House, made the announcement during an interview in Ilorin.
Haastrup is the son of the late Prince Samuel Adetunji Haastrup, who passed away in 2018. His father was a member of the Ijesa royal family and had deep roots in the community.
The race for the throne has gained attention due to Haastrup’s notable background in leadership and his vision for the future of Ilesa.
He believes that it is time for the people of Ijesa land to take charge of their future.
“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,” Haastrup said. “Nobody will come and fix the town for us. It is a challenge to us all.”
Haastrup’s entry into the race is driven by his desire to contribute positively to the development of his hometown and improve the lives of its people.
With his background in religious leadership, Haastrup has positioned himself as a candidate committed to unity, economic development, and cultural preservation.
As a pastor and Regional Administrator with RCCG, he has developed a strong leadership profile. He currently serves as the Pastor in Charge of a Zone in Delta State, where he has built a reputation for his dedication to his faith and community.
In his new role as a royal contender, Haastrup is determined to focus on empowering the people of Ijesa land through education, infrastructure, and community-driven projects.
“I want to bring unity to our people,” he explained. “I want to focus on human capital development, on preserving our culture, and on driving economic growth. We need to modernize our infrastructure to keep up with the times.”
Education, cultural revival, and empowerment programs are at the core of Haastrup’s vision for the future of Ilesa. He understands the value of preserving the rich history of Ijesa land while creating opportunities for progress.
Haastrup’s academic qualifications reflect his commitment to education. He holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration from Joseph Ayo Babalola University and an HND from Federal Polytechnic, Offa. His professional experience spans management, administration, and accounting roles across Nigeria.
He has also gained recognition as an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (ACIPM), which showcases his dedication to personal growth and professional development.
The Oba of Ilesa throne has been vacant since the passing of the previous Oba. As part of the election process, various members of the four ruling houses in Ilesa are expected to present candidates for the position. The Bilaro Ruling House, to which Haastrup belongs, has now put forward the candidacy of Haastrup, marking a significant moment in the royal race.
The four ruling houses in Ilesa include Biladu, Bilagbayo, Bilayiarere, and Bilaro. As a member of the Bilaro House, Haastrup’s candidacy carries weight in the local community, where he has deep ancestral ties.
Haastrup’s vision for the throne is clear. He believes that with the right leadership, Ilesa can become a beacon of progress in Osun State. His commitment to transforming the city and ensuring its prosperity is at the heart of his candidacy.
“Our community has a rich history, and I am committed to preserving that while driving change for the better,” Haastrup remarked. “It’s time for Ilesa to shine.”