Despite Court Order, Ogbomoso Kingmakers Install Olaoye as King

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Less than a week after Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State approved his appointment, Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, was yesterday, installed as the new Soun of Ogbomosoland.

The installation was done despite an interim court order restraining the governor and kingmakers from going ahead with further processes that may lead to his installation. 

Olaoye, a Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCG) based in the United States of America, arrived the ancient city yesterday morning in a private chopper which landed at the Ogbomoso Grammar School from where he moved to the palace.

It was learnt that the installation was performed at the palace by the kingmakers led by the Areago, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin.

THISDAY gathered that the new monarch, who will be referred to as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III, would immediately commence the traditional rites.

It would be recalled that an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso and under Justice K.A. Adedokun, had on Thursday, issued an interim order directing Governor Makinde and the kingmakers in the town to suspend further processes that may lead to the installation of Olaoye as the monarch of the town.

The suit, which was filed by Prince Muhammed Kabiru Olaoye, demanded that the Ogbomoso native law that guides installation of Soun should be strictly obeyed, and was adjourned to September 12 for further hearing of the application.

However, the kingmakers in their reaction, said they did not receive any court order restraining them from installing Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso.