New Soun of Ogbomoso, Olaoye Installed Despite Court Order
Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye has become the new Soun of Ogbomoso, a traditional ruler in Oyo State, after his installation ceremony on Friday morning.
Newsflash Nigeria reported that the installation took place at Abata in Ogbomosho, where the kingmakers, led by the Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, performed the rites.
The installation of Olaoye came as a surprise to many, as it happened just a few hours after an Oyo State High Court issued an order barring the state governor and others from presenting the instrument of office to him.
The court, presided over by Justice K.A Adedokun on Thursday, also ordered Olaoye to refrain from acting or appearing as the Soun of Ogbomoso Chieftaincy until the final resolution of the case filed against his selection.
The kingmakers, however, claimed that they had not received any court injunction stopping them from installing Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
They said that they followed the due process and the tradition of the land in choosing Olaoye as the best candidate for the stool.
Olaoye is the 23rd Soun of Ogbomoso, succeeding the late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, who died in December 2021 at the age of 94. He is a prince from the Laoye ruling house and a retired Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The installation of Olaoye has sparked controversy, with some people questioning the legality of the process.
It remains to be seen whether the court will uphold the restraining order or allow Olaoye to remain as the Soun of Ogbomoso.