All roads leading to Ilesa in Osun State were jam-packed with who’s who in society between April 24 and 25. Monarchs, people in the Diaspora, business stakeholders, celebrities, the heavy and mighty in politics, the crème de la crème, and a host of others gathered to celebrate the life well spent of an icon, the Olori Ebi of Haastrup’s family worldwide, Prince Julius Adeniran Haastrup Ajimoko JP, who answered the call of God Almighty late last year at the age of 91 years.
The event began on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with a lying-in-state ceremony at his family’s house in Ayeso, Ilesa, Osun State, at noon. Thereafter, they all proceeded in convoy to a Christian wake-keep at the deceased’s residence, located on Julius Adeniran Haastrup Street, behind African Grammar School, Osogbo Road, Ilesa, in Osun State, at 4 pm.
Meanwhile, while speaking with Apreel1 Events TV during the lying-in-state at Ayeso, some of the in-laws, family members, and children stated that Prince Julius Adeniran Haastrup will be greatly missed.
The Christian wake, anchored by members of the Otapete Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ilesa, led by Very Rev. Femi Johnson, witnessed Ilesa indigenes, people in the Diaspora, celebrities and a host of others coming out to honour the first son of the deceased, His Royal Highness, Oba Henry Ayinde Ademuyiwa Haastrup, and it was fun all through.
During an interview with Apreel1 Events TV, the Bishop of the Otapete Methodist Church of Nigeria, in Ilesa, Bishop James Olusegun, described Prince Julius Adeniran Haastrup as one of the devoted active church members who was always ready to assist anyone who crossed his path.
Music was supplied by one of the Haastrup family members, Prince Adesegun Haastrup, who thrilled people who came to honour the children of Prince Julius Adeniran Haastrup.
The following day, Friday, April 25, the burial service commenced from the deceased’s residence in a procession to the Otapete Methodist Cathedral Church in Ilesa, where the service began at 10:00 a.m. precisely.
Rev. Phillips Oladosu read the biography of Prince Julius Adeniran Haastrup, JP.
Thereafter, the words of exhortation were delivered by Bishop James Olusegun.
Before the sermon, Bishop Olusegun hailed Prince Adeniran Haastrup for his generosity, disclosing how he used his money for the progress and development of the church and Ilesa town.
He also lauded the Haastrup family for bringing Otapete Methodist Church to Ilesa.
Following the sermon, they called the children outside for prayer and a time of thanksgiving.
After the church service, they all went to the deceased’s residence for interment. After the interment, one of the deceased daughters, Tosin Haastrup, also stated to Apreel1 Events TV that she would be greatly missed by her father and all guests and family members, who then moved to the King Event Centre on Ilesa-Ife Road, Ilesa, for the reception.
The hall was filled to the brim with who’s who in society, celebrities, monarchs, and political icons, as well as heavyweights in the entertainment industry.
During the programme, gifts were presented to the children of the deceased, Princess Kunbi Haastrup and His Royal Highness, Oba Henry Ayinde Ademuyiwa Haastrup, by the Top Crown International Club. Also, one of the granddaughters of the deceased, Queen Nike Haastrup, and guests spoke with Apreel1 Events TV about how they will miss Prince Julius Adeniran Haastrup and hailed Oba Henry Ayinde Ademuyiwa Haastrup, who had invited them to the event.
The Fuji music legend, Alhaji Akande Abass, popularly known as Obesere, was on stage with the Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Broadcasters (ANBROAD) Osun State Chapter, Alhaji Akintunde Oyelade, also known as Orolomo, and Mc Burger anchoring the event, which Apreel1 Events TV covered.
