By Daniel Edu
Former Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor, Ghandi Laoye, has been officially installed as the new Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, following the passing of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi on December 12, 2021. Laoye, who was previously based in the United States, arrived in Ogbomoso and was installed in a ceremony at the palace.
As part of the traditional customs, the new monarch will undergo seven days of seclusion before receiving the staff of office from the state government. Notably, Laoye stepped down from his pastoral role on the instructions of the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, before assuming the Soun’s position.
However, there is opposition from a faction of the family regarding Laoye’s nomination. Muhammed Laoye, a member of the opposing family faction, has taken the matter to court, contending that the selection process was inconclusive and that a minority committee, rather than the entire family, performed the selection.
The case, marked HOG/27/2022, was filed in July 2022, and the court is set to deliver its judgment on October 3. Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier approved Laoye’s selection as the new Soun.
Despite the legal dispute, the kingmakers, led by High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, proceeded with the official installation of Laoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso, proclaiming him as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Laoye, Orumogege III. He has begun the customary rites associated with his new role.
