The Oyo State High Court, located in Ogbomoso, rendered a verdict on Wednesday that invalidated the appointment of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso.
Oba Ghandi had assumed the position of Soun of Ogbomoso on September 8, 2023, after a vacancy arose due to the passing of the late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi on December 12, 2021.
Oba Oyewumi, who had reigned for 48 years and passed away at the age of 95.
Notably, one of the contenders for the throne, Prince Kabir Olaoye, took the matter to court, contesting Ghandi’s selection and the process leading to his installation.
In the lawsuit identified as HOG/27/2022, the plaintiff alleged irregularities in the process that resulted in Ghandi becoming the Soun of Ogbomosho.
In his judgment, Justice Kareem Adedokun, in response to Laoye’s lawsuit, determined that the process leading to Ghandi’s selection was marred by illegalities.
The judge declared that Ghandi’s nomination by the Laoye Ruling House was not valid, and subsequently, the approval by the state government and installation by the kingmakers were deemed null and void.
The judge, therefore, granted the plaintiff’s request to set aside the nomination and ordered a fresh selection process.
Meanwhile, a source from the palace informed our correspondent that an appeal would be pursued, and they urged the public to remain calm.
The source expressed that the conflicting judgments between Prince Olaoye’s case, which deemed the process proper and valid, and the current ruling would be resolved by the Appeal Court.
Therefore, they encouraged people to maintain composure.
