Governor Seyi Makinde
Makinde and Soun of Ogbomosho’s case update. On Tuesday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde threatened to use his power to fight back if different cases filed against the enthronement of Oba Ghadi Olaoye, Orumogege III, as Soun of Ogbomosoland were not removed from the Court.
According to the PUNCH, one of the throne contenders, Prince Kabir Olaoye, approached the Court disputing Oba Olaoye’s appearance and the process that brought him to power.
However, the Presiding Judge, Justice Kareem Adeyimika Adedokun, asked all parties to maintain the status quo ante until the hearing and judgment of the appeal already filed by Oba Olaoye’s defense and the state government in suit no HOG/27/2022.
“By now, we should have put the issue of litigation behind us,” Makinde said after handing the Instrument of Office and Staff of Office to Oba Olaoye at Ogbomoso township stadium. I hope that by the end of next week, all cases pending in various courts concerning the enthronement of Soun of Ogbomosoland would be dismissed.
“However, if the litigants do not heed the calls, I will not hesitate to fight back with the instrument of office.” I wish that the situation that played out in one of this state’s towns, where a suit languished for 20 years and the monarch was eventually deposed, does not play out in Ogbomoso. We hope that this does not happen.
“We pray that this does not happen in Ogbomosoland,” the governor said.
“My service is premised on a clear vision,” Oba Olaoye remarked in his acceptance speech. I am well aware of the words written for us in the book of Proverbs by the wisest of Kings, that without a vision, the people perish.
“My vision for a prosperous and peaceful Ogbomosholand is based on a detailed 25-year plan, which will be revealed in the coming months.” I commit to serve this vision with everything I have: the contacts I’ve developed over the years in Nigeria and overseas, the experience I’ve gained from operating multiple successful businesses, and the talents I’ve gained from pastoring churches and other pastors for over 30 years. As I’ve stated on multiple occasions, I’ve transitioned from being a church pastor to a people’s shepherd.
“I intend to be a King to serve you all, regardless of religion, gender, or other differences that may exist between us.” Our kingdom’s strength lies not only in the crown I wear, but also in the connections that bind us together: the bonds of loyalty, respect, and mutual understanding. I would like to urge to our sons and daughters who live and work outside of Ogbomosholand to direct your attention to our country.”
The monarch then challenged the other contenders to assist him in moving the historic town forward.
“I am the chosen one to whom He has given the stool of Soun, and I appeal to you all to please join hands with me to further positively project the good name,” Oba Olaoye remarked.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke attended the ceremony, as did the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja III; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Okunmade III; and former Minister of Information, Lai Muhammed.
and a slew of other notable Nigerians.
The celebration on Tuesday concludes a series of festivities planned for the coronation, which began last Thursday with a N150 million empowerment program.