Observers will also find it intriguing that Ifa must have chosen the pastor for the people, since the search for kings in Yorubaland normally involves divination. Besides, Olaoye may redefine the rites that usually usher in the coronation based on his Christian pedigree.
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If it was once a rumour that a top pastor would be the next Soun of Ogbomoso, the hint has become a reality. Novel as it may be, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, who has been a pastor for 32 years with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, as the new Soun of Ogbomosoland.
Interestingly, the lucky mortal who had been a motivational speaker and and an entrepreneur before embracing the pulpit never wanted to become a king. According to him, God, however, has a different plan as he noted not long ago.
While addressing his congregation at his church in the US, Ghandi said the reality of being the Soun of Ogbomoso-designate dawned on him after several consultations.
“You were born for this, this is the reason for your birth” was the confirmation Pastor Ghandi reportedly received from God after prayers for a crossroads of life at the beginning of 2022, precisely on January 2.
Observers will also find it intriguing that Ifa must have chosen the pastor for the people, since the search for kings in Yorubaland normally involves divination. Besides, Olaoye may redefine the rites that usually usher in the coronation based on his Christian pedigree.
In spite of his God’s anointing, the road also remains bumpy for him as his selection faces a court case with the Chairman, Screening Committee for the Laoye ruling house, in Ogbomoso, Abdulwahab Laoye, once saying the family had not selected anybody to fill the vacant stool of Soun of Ogbomoso, dismissing as mere insinuations, social media report that someone had been selected.
As ‘The Punch’ reports, he said the ruling house had been dazed with the rumours that one Ghandi Afolabi, a pastor with the RCCG, had been selected.
“We did not select Ghandi and he is not among the 11 that the screening committee selected from 23 applicants. We do not want the matter to degenerate to the level of litigation. We scheduled a meeting on February 23 and invited the council to observe, but the council hijacked the process from us and added another seven persons on the claims that the seven persons equally obtained the Expression of Interest form, thereby raising the number of the applicants to 18.”
But in a statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday, 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.
The commissioner said the exalted position had placed the monarch-elect in the position to facilitate harmony, understanding, and tolerance amongst his people.
He also urged all sons and daughters of the ancient city of Ogbomoso to work with the monarch to consolidate the successes of his forefathers.
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