In a grand and ceremonious event, Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, formerly a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) based in the United States of America, was officially installed as the new Soun of Ogbomoso.
Olaloye succeeded Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III who died in December 2021, aged 95, after reigning for 48 years.
This historic event took place on Friday, presided over by the kingmakers of Ogbomoso and attended by dignitaries from across the region.
Olaoye’s journey to the throne commenced with his arrival in Ogbomoso in the early morning on a private chopper that landed gracefully at Ogbomoso Grammar School. From there, he made his way to the palace, accompanied by a grand procession of well-wishers and community members who had eagerly anticipated this day.
The installation ceremony, a carefully orchestrated affair steeped in tradition, was conducted at the palace under the guidance of Sobalaje Otolorin, the head of the kingmakers. The event marked the commencement of various traditional rites associated with ascending to the revered Soun throne.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had given his official approval to Olaoye’s appointment as the Soun of Ogbomoso on September 2, solidifying his status as the rightful heir to the throne. This announcement was met with immense joy and anticipation from the Ogbomoso community.
Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, the new Soun of Ogbomoso, is a descendant of the 9th Soun of Ogbomoso, the late Oba Laoye Orumogege, hailing from the Baiyewuwon ruling house of Aremo House, Ode-Aremo, Ogbomoso.
Prior to his ascension to the throne, he served as the pastor of RCCG at Jesus House, Washington DC, USA, bringing a wealth of spiritual experience to his new role.
However, amidst the jubilation, there was a legal twist as a high court sitting in Ogbomoso issued a restraining order on Thursday. This order restrained Governor Makinde, the state’s attorney-general, the commissioner of local government and chieftaincy, and their agents from presenting any instrument of office or conducting any form of installation ceremony for Olaoye pending the final determination of a suit.
The court’s decision followed a motion ex-parte in a suit filed by one of the contenders for the Soun of Ogbomoso stool, Muhammed Kabir Olaoye.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Ogbomoso community looks forward to a new era under the leadership of Soun Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, eager to see how he will guide their cherished traditions and bring progress to the ancient city.
The coronation of Olaoye is expected to be a defining moment in the history of Ogbomoso, blending tradition with contemporary values as the city embraces a new era under his leadership.
