The Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso has nullified the selection and installation of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso.
The court, responding to a motion filed by contender Prince Kabir Olaoye, ruled that Ghandi’s selection did not adhere to due process and the Ogbomoso chieftaincy declaration.
Consequently, the court has ordered the kingmakers to initiate a fresh selection process for a new monarch in the town. It restrained government officials from any ceremonial actions until a final determination is reached in court.
This decision follows the announcement by the Oyo State Government of Olaoye as the new Soun, with his installation taking place on September 8, 2023.
Recall that Prince Kabir Olaoye, a contender for the Soun of Ogbomoso stool, had contested Ghandi’s eligibility for the position, citing a deviation from due process.
n response to an ex-parte motion filed by Kabir, Justice K.A. Adedokun had issued a restraining order against the Governor, Attorney General, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Oyo State.
The order prohibits them from presenting any instrument of office or participating in any form of ceremony for Ghandi until the court makes a final determination. Kabir Olaoye sought the nullification of the selection process and requested the court to instruct the kingmakers to commence a fresh selection process.
In delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Adedokun upheld Kabir Olaoye’s claims, nullifying the selection and installation of Ghandi as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
The court’s directive for a fresh selection process emphasizes the importance of adhering to due process in matters of chieftaincy and traditional leadership.
