Thread by @YorubaHistory

Prince Ademuyiwa Haastrup

To the north-east of Lagos lies the country of Ijebu Remo, an independent Native State. In 1892 a visit was paid by the Rev. J. Sutcliffe to the King of this country, who has the title of Akarigbo.

The History of the WMS by George Gilanders (1921-1924)

Sutcliffe was accompanied by Mr. Haastrop, a Christian merchant who was a native of Shamagu but had resided many years in Lagos.

The result of this visit was the promise of a gift of land for the building of Mission premises, and two agents were left to begin the work.

Mr. Haastrop was related on his father's side to the royal house of Ijebu Remo, and on his mother's side to the neighboring house of Ilesha. He became a Christian early in life under the ministry of the Rev. Joseph Rhodes, and he afterward served the Church as a Preacher.

He soon acquired great influence in the city of Lagos, where he specially interested himself in the Kroo laborers, who had come from as far up the coast as Sierra Leone.

In 1892 the Ijebu Remo country was included in the British Protectorate, and he was most anxious that the Gospel should be brought to his own countrymen, now that order and good government obtained among the unruly tribes of the interior.

It was with this object in view that he accompanied Mr. Sutcliffe on a memorable journey. In 1894 he visited England, assuming his proper title of Prince Ademuyiwa, and at the Conference, held that year in Birmingham,

and afterward at Missionary meetings up and down the country, he produced a profound impression upon the congregations who listened to his warm-hearted addresses.

On his return, the work was further developed, and stations were opened at the capital Shamagu and also at Ikorodu, Iperu, and Ago.