The air was thick with joy and celebration at Marcellina’s Place in Ikeja, where a distinguished gathering of family, friends, and former colleagues came together to honour a life well-lived. The occasion was the 80th birthday celebration of Prince Ademola Haastrup, a retired senior police officer, on 22 November 2025.
A Life of Impact Honoured
Guests arrived in vibrant, colourful outfits, matching the radiant atmosphere of the beautifully decorated hall. It was a carnival-like event, a clear testament to the high esteem in which the celebrant is held. For everyone present, it was a powerful moment of reflection on the blessings of longevity and the importance of celebrating a legacy while the individual is still alive to witness it.
Heartfelt Tributes from a Loving Family
The chorus of praise was led by his wife of 56 years, Princess Olufunke Haastrup. With deep affection, she thanked God for their enduring bond, highlighting her husband's unwavering faith, hard work, and generous spirit. She described him as a man who worked tirelessly for the comfort of both his immediate and extended family.
Speaking for the children, Prince Adeniran Haastrup shared fond memories of his father's strong moral compass. He recalled how his father ensured everyone attended church on Sundays, establishing a foundation of faith from their youth. Adeniran praised his father's exceptional work ethic and, most strikingly, his selflessness, noting he seamlessly played the roles of disciplinarian, father figure, mentor, and adviser.
Legacy of Generosity and Faith
Prince Adegbayi Haastrup, the celebrant's second son, echoed these sentiments, describing his father as a man of generosity, guidance, and determination. He shared a personal story of how his father supported his ambition to attend the University of Lagos and wisely handled his personal conflicts. Adegbayi also fondly remembered the meaningful gesture of receiving keys to two cars—a Volkswagen and a Mercedes—when he was heading to university, a quiet symbol of his father's consistent sacrifice.
He further highlighted Prince Haastrup's profound faith and community spirit, revealing that his father had personally funded the construction of two churches—one in his community and another in the Ojodu Berger area. This act underscores a life deeply committed to serving God and others.
As laughter and tributes filled the hall, it became undeniably clear that Prince Ademola Haastrup's life is defined by faith, family, and service. At 80, he stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that true greatness is measured not by wealth, but by the love one gives, the values one upholds, and the countless lives one uplifts.
