By Fawaz Adebisi
The Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso has declared the appointment of former Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor, Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, as the Soun of Ogbomoso as illegal and invalid.
The court ordered a fresh selection process for the traditional ruler of the town.
The court also restrained the state government from recognizing or installing anyone as the Soun until the final determination of the case.
The case was filed by Prince Kabir Laoye, who challenged the selection and emergence of Ghandi as the Soun.
He claimed that the process was faulty and violated the customary law of the town.
Justice Adedokun, who presided over the case, agreed with the plaintiff and nullified Ghandi’s appointment.
He said that the kingmakers did not follow the due process and that the state government disregarded the court’s earlier order to refrain from announcing a new Soun pending the resolution of the case.
He directed the kingmakers to go back and conduct a fresh selection process in accordance with the law and tradition of Ogbomoso.
He also urged all parties to maintain peace and order in the town.
