The selection of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomosho was nullified by the Oyo State High Court in Ogbomosho. This decision comes months after Oba Ghandi’s installation on September 8, 2023, following the passing of the late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi on December 12, 2021. Oba Oyewumi, who reigned for 48 years, passed away at the age of 95.
Prince Kabir Olaoye, one of the contestants for the throne, had approached the court to challenge Oba Ghandi’s ascension and the selection process that led to his appointment. Alleging irregularities in the process, the suit marked HOG/27/2022 was filed by the plaintiff.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Kareem Adedokun in the case brought forward by Laoye, it was declared that the selection process that resulted in Oba Ghandi’s appointment was tainted with illegalities. The judge stated that Oba Ghandi was not validly nominated by the Laoye Ruling House and consequently deemed the “nomination, approval by the state government, and installation by the kingmakers” as null and void.
Read also: Court removes Laoye as Soun of Ogbomoso, orders fresh selection
As a result, the plaintiff’s request to “set aside the nomination” was granted, and a directive for “a fresh process” was issued by the court.
However, in response to the court’s decision, Punch reported a source from the palace reassured the public, who said, “The case will definitely be appealed, and so, people should not fret. In the case instituted by Prince Olaoye, the judge said the process was proper and valid but now the same process is faulted. It is conflicting, the Appeal Court will resolve that. People should be calm.”
