Owa Ajimoko’s N1 Billion Lifeline For Ijeshas

“We intend to work with a farm in Nasarawa state. They are being supported by Isreali experts. We have started by selecting at least four from each of the six local government areas in Ijesaland to be trained by this agric company. They will be coming to Ijesaland to check on our soil and advise us on appropriate crops that can be grown in a particular location. Those who are trained will be the forerunners in executing the project,”

The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, HIM Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko iii, has announced the one billion Naira lifeline for agriculture and agro allied business for his subjects.

The monarch announced this after his coronation on Friday, 16th May 2025, at Ilesha Grammar School, venue of the reception of the programme.

Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, who said his target was three billion naira (N3bn) However announced that ten of his sons have supported the project with five hundred million naira only, bringing the total seed money realised to N1.5 Billion.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with award winning journalist Mr. Sola Oshunkeye, before the coronation, Oba Haastrup said; ” I agree with you that the stool of the Owa Obokun Adumila is a powerful stool. And I do not take that for granted. I thank God Almighty for this day, I never knew it could come. Since God has made it happen. I will not disappoint. I will do my best to uplift the economics and standard of living of our people in all the six local government areas that Ijeshaland occupies.

” During my coronation, I will launch an agric and agro-industrial project because we have very fertile and arable soil.With our vast land in our six local governments, the only way is to utilise those land. We intend to work with a farm in Nasarawa state. They are being supported by Isreali experts. We have started by selecting at least four from each of the six local government areas in Ijesaland to be trained by this agric company. They will be coming to Ijesaland to check on our soil and advise us on appropriate crops that can be grown in a particular location. Those who are trained will be the forerunners in executing the project,” he added.

True to his words, the first cohorts of 24 have started in earnest. They were at the coronation donning their green outfits, which symbolises agriculture.

Oba Haastrup who said in the interview that he wasn’t interested initially until he dawned on him that his nephew he was supporting may lose the kingship to other stronger candidates that he eventually joined.

For Owa Haastrup, his vast contacts and experience will come to bear on the fortunes of Ijesaland as he ascended the throne of his forebears.

Incidentally, Owa Haastrup, who was a deputy governor to late Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the elder brother of incumbent governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has begun his reign with economic empowerment for his people.

The ancient town of Ilesa literally stood still for Owa Ajimoko, the paramount ruler of Ijesaland as politicians, captains of industry, academia and others stormed the venue of the coronation to pay homage.

Dignitaries at the occasion were President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Governor Adeleke, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Others were Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Chairperson of NiDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, former governors of Ogun and Osun states, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; former deputy governors of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu and Mr Femi Pedro.

Traditional rulers at the ceremony include Oonirisa, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi, Oba Saheed Elegusi of Lagos State, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal and Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Ige Abiodun Adams amongst many others.