Ghandi Laoye, a former pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, assumed the role of the new Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo State on Friday and has commenced his series of traditional ceremonies.
The newly-installed Soun, who had been based in the United States, arrived in Ogbomoso early on Friday morning via a private chopper, which touched down at Ogbomoso Grammar School before proceeding to the palace.
The Soun of Ogbomoso throne became vacant following the passing of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi on December 12, 2021.
Ghandi Laoye will observe seven days of seclusion as part of his traditional rituals, after which he will receive the staff of office from the state government.
A few days ago, Laoye formally stepped down from his role as a pastor and handed over his responsibilities to Pastor Olumide Ogunjuyigbe, following the directive of the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
However, it’s worth noting that a member of the family opposing Laoye’s nomination by the kingmakers, Muhammed Laoye, has taken the matter to court, contending that the process leading to his selection was inconclusive. They assert that a minority committee carried out the task instead of involving the entire family.
Governor Seyi Makinde had, on September 2, through a statement from the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, approved Laoye’s selection as the next Soun.
Nevertheless, a state High Court in Ogbomoso issued a restraining order on Thursday, prohibiting the governor, the Attorney General of the State, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters from conducting any form of ceremony or issuing a certificate of installation to Laoye until the court reaches a final decision on the matter.
In spite of this legal challenge, the new monarch was formally installed at the palace on Friday during an official ceremony conducted at Abata by the kingmakers, led by the Areago, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin. The kingmakers have maintained that they did not receive any court injunction preventing Laoye’s installation as the new Soun of Ogbomoso.
