The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, approved the appointment of a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, as the new Soun of Ogbomoso land.
The stool became; vacant after the demise of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, in December 2021, at the age of 95 years after he reigned for 48 years.
The selection of a new monarch became a court issue as the Chairman, Screening Committee for Laoye Ruling House in Ogbomoso, Abdulwahab Laoye, said the family had; not selected anybody to fill the vacant stool of Soun of Ogbomoso, dismissing as mere insinuations, social media report that someone had been; selected.
Makinde
He said the ruling house had been; dazed with the rumors that one Ghandi Afolabi, a Pastor at the RCCG, had been; selected.
“We did not select Ghandi and he is; not among the eleven that the screening committee; selected from 23 applicants. We do not want the matter to degenerate to the level of litigations, We scheduled a meeting on the 23rd of February and invited the council to observe, but the council hijacked the process from us and; added another seven people on the claims that the seven people equally; obtained the expression of interest form, thereby raising the number of the applicants to 18.”
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However, a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday, said the announcement followed the long-drawn processes; specified under the law.
Olayiwola said, “His Excellency congratulates the new Soun-elect on his ascension to the throne of his forebears.”
The commissioner said; the exalted position has placed the monarch-elect in the position to facilitate harmony, understanding, and tolerance amongst his people.
He also urged all sons and daughters of the ancient city of Ogbomoso; to work with the monarch to consolidate the successes of his forefathers.
