Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, presented the staff and instrument of office to the new Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
He charged the new monarch to work for the unity of Ogbomosoland and the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state.
The governor stated this at the event held at the Soun Township Stadium, Ogbomoso, which had in attendance former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, who was represented, among others.
Governor Makinde equally advised members of the Ruling Houses contending over the Soun stool to withdraw their cases from the court forthwith as a show of love for Ogbomosoland.
Makinde, who promised to ensure the continued progress of Ogbomosoland and the entire state, urged the traditional rulers to support the government to build a society where residents are law-abiding and respecters of the rule of law, adding that the state will soon have a law in this regard.
Governor Makinde called on the new Soun to work with other Obas in the state to ensure a functional Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state so that traditional rulers can contribute their quota towards the development of Oyo State.
He assured that his government will reconstruct the House of Chiefs and House of Assembly Complex, which were built around the 1950s.
He said: “It is a great honor to be here today to celebrate the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to the 21st Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
“I rejoice with the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso both at home and in the Diaspora.
“I have two or three points to make. I discussed with Kabiyesi privately on the steps that must be taken to ensure the unity of Ogbomosoland. But it is not just Ogbomosoland, you must also work for the unity of the traditional Council in Oyo State.
“Several years before I came into office, the was no central traditional Council. So, I do hope, with the coronation and Staff of Office, you will now work assiduously to ensure that we have Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers and make it functional again.
“In the 2024 budget, the complete reconstruction of the House of Assembly and House of Chiefs have been captured. So, there will be a conducive atmosphere and environment for you and our traditional rulers to hold your meetings and contribute towards the development of Oyo State.
“The other thing I want to say is about the people who also contested the throne with Oba Ghandi. As of last week, some of you were still in court. What I can say is that contestation for the throne is behind us and I look forward to them withdrawing the cases in court by the end of this week as a show of love for Ogbomosoland.
“So, the people fighting should stop forthwith but if they fail to stop, as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, I will join the fight to ensure peace and progress of Ogbomosoland.
“I believe in constitutional roles for our traditional rulers and there is a new authority in Oyo State called Rule of Law Enforcement Authority. It is with the House of Assembly and it will soon be passed into law and I want your support and that of other traditional rulers in the state.
“On behalf of the Ogbomoso sons and daughters and the good people of Oyo State, I wish Kabiyesi a long, peaceful and successful reign.”
In their separate goodwill messages, former Vice-President, Professor Osinbajo; Senator Akume, who was represented by Sir Olusegun Adekunle; Governor Adeleke; the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi and the chairman of Ogbomoso Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun, described Oba Ghandi as a trustworthy and peace-loving personality.
They urged him to use his wealth of knowledge and experience to bring prosperity to Ogbomoso.
Speaking after receiving the staff and instrument of office, the Soun of Ogbomoso commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state and especially in Ogbomoso zone.
He promised to uphold tradition and display commitment to justice, equity and fairness to all, noting that he would be a king to everyone.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Olusegun Olayiwola, implored the new Soun of Ogbomoso to cooperate with the government of Oyo State to ensure safety of lives and properties in his domain.
Some of those also present at the event are the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, among others.
