On Tuesday, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, presented the office staff and instrument of office to the new Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
Governor Makinde charged the new monarch with working for the unity of Ogbomosoland and the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state.
The governor, who stated this at the event held at the Soun Township Stadium, Ogbomoso, equally advised members of the Ruling Houses contending over the Soun stool to withdraw their cases from the court forthwith as a show of love for Ogbomosoland.
Makinde promised to ensure the continued progress of Ogbomosoland and the entire state while urging the traditional rulers to support the government to build a society where residents are law-abiding and respecters of the rule of law, adding that the state will soon have a law in this regard.
Governor Makinde called on the new Soun to work with other Obas in the state to ensure a functional Council of Obas and Chiefs so that traditional rulers can contribute their quota to the development of Oyo State.
He assured that his government would reconstruct the House of Chiefs and House of Assembly Complex, which was built in the 1950s.
He said: “It is a great honour to be here today to celebrate the coronation and presentation of the staff of office to the 21st Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
“I rejoice with the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, both at home and in the Diaspora. On behalf of the Ogbomoso sons and daughters and the good people of Oyo State, I wish Kabiyesi a long, peaceful, and successful reign.”
In their separate goodwill messages, former Vice-President, Professor Osinbajo; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; Senator Akume, who was represented by Sir Olusegun Adekunle; Governor Adeleke; the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi; and the chairman of Ogbomoso Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun, described Oba Ghandi as a trustworthy and peace-loving personality.
They urged him to use his wealth of knowledge and experience to bring prosperity to Ogbomoso.
In his acceptance speech, “My Dream and My Reality,” Oba Ghandi thanked God and the people who had made the day a reality after receiving the instrument and staff of the office from Governor Makinde.
He promised to uphold tradition and display a commitment to justice, equity, and fairness to all, noting that he would be a king to everyone.
He said he accepted the new throne as a call from God to serve the people of Ogbomosoland and appealed to all Ogbomoso sons and daughters to work with him to harness the land’s potential.
He added that the strength of Ogbomoso does not lie in the crown he wears alone but in the bond that binds every son and daughter of Ogbomoso together, regardless of religion or gender.
Oba Ghandi Olaoye then assured that his commitment to the development of Ogbomoso remains unwavering. He would continue to engage and consult with all critical stakeholders of Ogbomosol and towards the actualisation of his dream for his people.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Olusegun Olayiwola, implored the new Soun of Ogbomoso to cooperate with the government of Oyo State to ensure the safety of lives and properties in his domain.
Present at the event are the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Secretary to the Government of Nigeria (SGF) George Akume, represented by the former military governor of Oyo State, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd.).
Some of the royal fathers present are HIM, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Olu of Warri, Oba Ogiame Atuwatse, Oluwo of Iwo, Timi of Ede, Ewi of Ado, Orangun of Oke Ila, and other eminent personalities.
