‘How Soun Of Ogbomoso Will Mark Coronation’

The newly installed Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, is set to mark his coronation as the 21st Soun, starting with N1.5m empowerment programme for the underprivileged sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland, amongst other activities in the weeklong programme.

The Chairman of the Central Coronation Planning Committee, Prof Adesola Adepoju, who addressed journalists at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club in Ogbomoso, said the event would feature presentation of staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde on December 19, while the empowerment would hold on December 14 at the monarch’s palace.

He stated, “The empowerment programme is borne out of the desire of Oba Olaoye to eradicate poverty, and about N150m has been set aside for this programme. This empowerment programme is for underprivileged sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland.

“The governor will present the staff of office to Oba Olaoye on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Ogbomoso Township stadium.”

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He stated that necessary security arrangements had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free event.

He added that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, would lead other dignitaries to the official coronation.

Adepoju said, “We are expecting dignitaries from all walks of life; lots of traditional rulers, representatives of governments at all levels, serving and former governors, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps. We are already working with the different arms of security agencies to provide adequate security for lives and property during the event as well as travel routes which will be issued later.”

He said the Jumat service and reception for the Golfers of Oba Ghandi would hold on Friday at the palace and recreation club respectively, adding that the Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament and Traditional celebration and entertainment would hold on December 16, 2023.

The governor had on September 2, 2023, approved the selection of Olaoye of Olaoye Ruling House after he was selected by the kingmakers as the successor to the late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III.

Ghandi, a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was installed as the Soun of Ogbomoso on September 8 by kingmakers, led by Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin.

Although Oba Olaoye’s appointment as the Soun was nullified by the court over a procedural flaw in his nomination, the court granted a stay of execution of the judgment as the state government filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in October, 2023.