The traditional rites towards the installation of Prince Afolabi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso commenced on Friday, led by the Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin.
Olaoye, renowned as both a pastor and international businessman, arrived in Ogbomoso in the early hours of Friday to initiate the procedures that would culminate in his official enthronement.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Otolorin officially proclaimed Olaoye as “His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Orumogege III and the 30th Soun of Ogbomoso.”
The vacancy in the Soun of Ogbomoso position resulted from the passing of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, in December 2021, who had reigned for an impressive 48 years and lived to the age of 95.
In light of these developments, Prince Amos Olawole-Olaoye, the Mogaji of Laoye family, asserted that the new Soun has a rightful claim to the throne as he is a recognized member of the family.
However, conflicting views have emerged, with some arguing that the new traditional ruler was not initially part of the selection process.
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NAN reports that the selection of the new Soun has become a matter of legal dispute.
Abdulwahab Laoye, Chairman of the Screening Committee for Laoye Ruling House in Ogbomoso, categorically stated that the family had not selected anyone to fill the vacant Soun of Ogbomoso stool, refuting reports suggesting otherwise.
He clarified, “We did not select Ghandi, and he is not among the 11 candidates that the screening committee selected out of 23 applicants.”
The situation escalated as the council intervened and added seven more candidates, arguing that they had also submitted expressions of interest forms, raising the total number of applicants to 18.
Nevertheless, Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, affirmed that the announcement followed the prescribed legal processes.
He extended congratulations to the Soun-elect, highlighting the vital role of the new traditional ruler in fostering unity, understanding, and tolerance among his people.
Despite a court injunction issued by the Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso on Thursday restraining the governor, the attorney general of the state, and the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters from installing Olaoye as Soun, the kingmakers, as represented by Olawole-Olaoye, stated that they did not receive any such injunction.
This legal wrangling complicates the process of Olaoye’s formal installation as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
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