Segun Atanda/
The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has upheld the selection and installation of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso, overturning a previous ruling that had nullified his ascension.
This decision reaffirms Oba Olaoye’s position as the 28th Soun of Ogbomoso, a title he has held since his coronation on December 21, 2023.
Born on August 23, 1961, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye is a distinguished Nigerian monarch and former pastor.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literary Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Ibadan.
Before ascending to the throne, Oba Olaoye was a prominent figure in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where he served as a pastor in Nigeria, Germany, and the United States. He also held the position of Coordinator for Convention and Special Projects for RCCG North America.
In the corporate world, Oba Olaoye is the Chairman and Co-founder of the Great Place to Work Institute, Nigeria, and serves as a Director for the UK branch. The institute is a global research and management consultancy that recognises the best workplaces in over 56 countries worldwide.
The legal dispute began when Justice K.A. Adedokun of the Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso, on October 25, 2023, nullified Oba Olaoye’s selection and installation as Soun of Ogbomoso.
The court declared the procedure of his nomination “irregular, null and void,” citing non-compliance with the provisions of the Soun Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958.
In response, Oba Olaoye appealed the decision, leading to the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan.
Justice Yargata Nimpar, who led a three-member panel, resolved all 10 grounds of appeal in favour of Oba Olaoye, effectively reinstating his position as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
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