The stool of the Soun of Ogbomoso became vacant following the demise of the late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewunmi, the longest-reigning king in the history of the town.
On Saturday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde approved the appointment of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye to be the next Soun of Ogbomosoland.
A statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, said the announcement followed the long-drawn processes specified under the law.
Olayiwola said, “His Excellency congratulates the new Soun-elect on his ascension to the throne of his forebears.”
Meanwhile, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Adedokun Omoniyi Asola Abolarin, Aroyinkeye 1, Orangun of Oke-Ila has sent a congratulatory message to the newly designated Soun of Ogbomoso, Prince (Pastor) Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye.
In his words, Alayeluwa Oba Abolarin said “From Adventist Grammar School, Ede, through the University of Ife, now as, The Soun of Ogbomoso, we are sincerely grateful to God and our secondary school teachers, who properly trained us to imbibe the school motto of , BUILDING SOULS FOR SERVICE. Kabiyesi, e kaabo sì orí ìtẹ́ àwọn Baba ŃLÁ wa. The institution we unknowingly came into.”
Oba Abolarin pointed out that Kingship in Yorubaland is a call to service. In fact, it should be seen as a ministry. “It is indeed a major one for the development of humanity. Kabiyesi, I wish you very well and may you live gloriously long. Baba ké pe o.” Oba Abolarin concluded.
The Soun of Ogbomoso-designate, studied English Language in Nigeria before moving abroad for postgraduate study in Industrial and Labour Relations.
Until 1992 when he became a pastor under the Redeemed Christian Church, he was an accomplished entrepreneur cum motivational speaker.
Though born to the royal family of Olaoye, one of the five royal families in Ogbomoso, Prince Olaoye said he never wanted to be king, unlike his father who tried to become the Soun of Ogbomoso in 1940.
Olaoye also known and addressed as “Pastor G” has been pastoring for about 30years; starting from 1992 when he began his pastoral duties at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
He had pastored three RCCG churches in Nigeria before migrating to Germany where he oversaw another RCCG Parish in Bonn, Germany.
Currently, he pastors the RCCG, Jesus House in Washington DC, United States. He is also the coordinator in charge of Convention and Special Projects for RCCG, North America.
Prince Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye is a descendant of the 9th Soun of Ogbomoso, Late Oba Laoye Orumogege from Baiyewuwon ruling house of Aremo House, Ode-Aremo, Ogbomoso.
He is happily married to Pastor (Mrs) Omo Olaoye and blessed with two daughters.
