The Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso has issued a ruling that calls for a new selection process to be initiated for the Soun of Ogbomoso, effectively overturning the appointment of Oba Ghandi Olaoye.
On September 8, 2023, the Oyo State Government had officially installed Ghandi, a pastor within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), as the Soun.
However, Prince Kabir Olaoye, one of the contenders for the Soun’s position, took legal action, asserting that Ghandi was not qualified for the role.
In response to an ex-parte motion filed by Kabir, Justice K. A. Adedokun issued an injunction that restrained the governor, attorney general, and commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters in Oyo State, or any representatives, from presenting any instrument of office or conducting a ceremony for Ghandi’s installation or issuing a certificate of installation to him.
This restraint is to remain in effect until the court completes the necessary hearings and reaches a final decision on the mandatory injunction previously submitted to the court.
Kabir argued in court that Ghandi’s selection did not adhere to the appropriate due process or the chieftaincy declaration of Ogbomoso. Consequently, he requested the court to nullify the previous selection process and instruct the kingmakers to commence a fresh one.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Adedokun nullified the selection and installation of Ghandi and ordered the kingmakers to commence a fresh selection process.
At the time the court gave the restraining order, Oyo kingmakers said they were unaware of it.
On September 3, Ghandi handed over his pastoral role at the RCCG, Jesus House Parish, Washington DC, United States.
A thanksgiving and transition service was held in his honour at the parish. He had been the pastor of the church since inception.
Joined by his wife, Pastor Omo Ghandi-Olaoye, Ghandi handed over to Pastor Olumide Ogunjuyigbe.
The stool of the Soun became vacant after the death of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade in December 2021 at age 95. The king reigned for 48 years.
