Court sacks Olaoye as Soun of Ogbomoso, orders fresh selection process

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso has nullified the appointment of the new Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

The Oyo State Government announced Pastor Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso and made him king on September 8, 2023.

One of the contestants, Kabir Olaoye, before the appointment, sued Ghandi Olaoye, saying the pastor was not eligible to take Soun’s position.

He added that the selection of Olaoye did not follow due process and the Ogbomoso chieftaincy declaration.

He then prayed the court to nullify the selection and installation, as well as order the kingmakers to commence a fresh selection process.

However, presiding judge, Justice K.A. Adedokun, while delivering judgement on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, restrained Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the Attorney-General, and the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters in Oyo State.

Justice Adedokun said: “Either by themselves, agents or officials, they are restrained from presenting any instrument of office in any form of ceremony or issuance of certificate of installation to Afolabi pending the hearing and final determination of the mandatory injunction already filed before the court.”

Olaoye’s selection was approved by Governor Makinde on September 2 and he was installed by the kingmakers on September 8, 2023.

The stool had become vacant after the demise of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, in December 2021 at the age of 95 after he reigned for 48 years.

The Star