The ancient city of Ogbomoso has finally gotten a new traditional ruler, more than 20 months after the passage of the last Soun, the late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III.
This followed the approval, today, of the appointment of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun-elect by the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde.
The late Oba Oyewunmi, died on 12 December, 2021, after having ruled over Ogbomoso for more than 48 years.
The late Soun, the longest reigning oba in the history of Ogbomoso, ascended the throne on 24 October, 1973. Born on 27 May, 1926, he died at age 95.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, in a statement stated that Prince Olaoye will be the next occupant of the vacant traditional stool.
He further clarified that the approval of the appointment of Prince Olaoye followed the long-drawn processes specified under the law.
“His Excellency congratulates the new Soun-elect on his ascension to the throne of his forebears,” the statement said.
The Commissioner said the exalted position has placed the Soun-elect in the position to facilitate harmony, understanding and tolerance amongst his people.
The Commissioner also urged all sons and daughters of the ancient city of Ogbomoso to work with the oba-elect to consolidate the successes of his forefathers.
Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye’s Journey To The Throne
Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye was born to the Olaoye Royal House, one of the five royal families in Ogbomoso.
He was in the news as the likely new Soun following the demise of the last occupant of the stool, late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III.
According to reports, no fewer than 25 people jostled for the traditional stool of Ogbomosoland after the demise of Oba Oyewunmi.
Olaoye was however subsequently picked in 2022 by Ogbomoso kingmakers as the successor to the vacant traditional stool.
The Soun-elect was a pastor for 30 years. He was a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the US, until he until when he made known his intention to be the next Soun.
After the passage of Oba Oyewunmi, Ghandi declared that he had a lead from God to become the next traditional ruler of Ogbomoso.
His pastoral calling started in 1992 with assumption of duty at RCCG, headed by General Overseer Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
The oba-elect pastored three RCCG parishes in Nigeria before migrating to Germany where he oversaw another RCCG parish in Bonn.
His last port of call as a pastor before the call to become a traditional ruler was the RCCG, Jesus House in Washington DC, United States.
He was also the coordinator in charge of Convention and Special Projects for RCCG, North America.
The oba-elect claimed that he was not initially interested in the traditional stool, but was convinced by Pastor Adeboye who he said told him that he should not fight against what he was born for.
The Soun-elect has B.A in English and MSc in Industrial and Labour Relations. He was, until 1992, an entrepreneur-cum motivational speaker.
Prince Olaoye had wanted to retire to a simple, low but decent life after retirement at 60. But fate had something else in stock for him.
His initial resolve was contrary to the desire of his father who tried to become the Soun of Ogbomoso in 1940 but was rejected by the kingmakers and the people of Oyo Town.
The table however turned and the coast became clear when he was nominated as the next Soun of Ogbomoso by the kingmakers.
The newly-appointed Soun of Ogbomosoland is married to Omo who is also a pastor.
