Following a threat by Governor Seyi Makinde to deploy the instrument of office against any litigant who refused to withdraw suits against the new Soun, an Ogbomoso prince, Kabir Olaoye, has said that he won’t withdraw the suit challenging the selection of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Olaoye said he didn’t expect such a statement from Governor Seyi Makinde who is the number one citizen of the state. He added that such a statement shows autocratic leadership rather than democratic leadership.
Olaoye, who filed a suit, said in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, on Sunday, that Makinde’s threat to come against litigants is empty.
His words: “It is an empty threat. The state governor’s strong stance against litigants opposing the new Soun of Ogbomosoland reflects the governor’s commitment to supporting his chosen leader despite all sense of purpose.
“However, using the ‘instrument of government to fight back’ raises questions about the balance between legal processes, culture, tradition, and custom and political influence.
“He had made a choice even if it was contemptuous! However, I did not expect such a statement from the governor who is the number one citizen of the state. It shows autocratic leadership rather than democratic leadership.
“Moreover, it is the governor and Pastor Ghandi that approached the appeal court to undermine the earlier judgment of October 25 by the High Court of Justice, sitting in Ogbomoso.
“So, if there is anyone who needs to withdraw any case, it is Pastor Ghandi and others and also the counsel for His Excellency that needs to withdraw lawsuits on this Soun matter and allow the judgment of the lower court to subsist. A judgment can never be withdrawn if I’m correct.
“I appreciate the importance of adhering to the normal procedure for the selection of the Soun, as done previously. All contestants, including the prospective candidate, are committed to supporting whoever emerges through the right and established procedures.”
On Soun’s appeal for cooperation, the litigant said, “Prince Ghandi Olaoye’s call for unity among other contestants is a subtle directive to them to comply with the governor’s speech rather than a desire for collective progress in Ogbomosoland, knowing that collaborative efforts can contribute to the town’s development, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
“This is, unfortunately, apolitical knowing well that the Olaoye’s large family and the Ogbomoso are not anywhere happy with his choice.”
