Sequel to the controversies and crisis trailing the selection process of a new Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo state, a socio-cultural organisation in the ancient town, ‘Ogbomoso Zone Peoples Front (OZPF)’, has called on the Oyo state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, to intervene and order fresh selection process aimed at appointing a credible and acceptable monarch for the community.
The group led by Alhaji Musibau Mutiu and Secretary, Mr Benjamin Adegboyega noted that the appeal became imperative in the interest of justice, fairness, transparency, and unity of the ruling families and the community at large.
The group is requesting that Gov. Makinde intervenes and order fresh selection process aimed at appointing a credible and acceptable monarch for the community.
Recall the Soun stool became vacant after Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the 27th Soun, joined his ancestors at the age of 95 on December, 12, 2021.
Meanwhile, a US-based Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, who is also a member of the ruling house has been frequent in the news for being the choice of the Kingmakers as the new Soun. However, there have been protests against this decision by some members of the ruling family.
Speaking to newsmen in Ogbomoso on Tuesday, the Chairman of the group stressed the need to put Ogbomoso on high pedestal, saying that “The Soun’s stool is an exalted and significant throne that must not be toyed with.
“There is a clash of interests among the ruling families, and the king makers themselves seem divided. There are accusations and counter-accusations in many quarters.
“The position of the Laoye family, led by its Mogaji, Prince Olawole Olaoye, showed that the fifth columnists had hijacked the process, thereby making the whole process a sham one. There is another camp of kingmakers led by the Aare-Ago of Ogbomoso, Chief Sobaloju Otolorin.
“The interviews granted by these differing groups and their body language indicate that they are working at cross purposes which cannot help the throne and the town. The whole process resembles hide- and- seek game. In the whole process, it seems the dictate of Ifa in the process has been jettisoned and this is alien to the system. Those concerned seem to be immersed with ‘money-does-it-all syndrome”, Alhaji Mutiu added.
Insisting that the town’s tradition has been violated, the secretary sued for decorum stating that, “The family should not have sold forms for the position. Going by what played on in the selection, the tradition has been violated. The ruling family in question would have to choose a credible prince and present him to the kingmakers who would, in turn, be presented to the government, and not the other way.
“Even, if the government rejects the candidate, the family would still have to present another one.
“From the interview granted by the Aare-Ago, it is clear that the kingmakers jettisoned the age-long tradition of the Soun chieftaincy declaration and just went for the highest bidder.
“Yet, there is more to obaship position than money. The kingmakers have technically usurped the powers of the ruling family. So, forwarding the name of any candidate to the governor without the consent of the family is uncustomary and uncalled for”, he added.
He restated the tradition of the land as; “The 1958 chieftaincy declaration states that a direct son of any previous Soun can succeed an Oba.
“Although there may not be a direct son of Soun Oke Lanipekun who reigned last as Soun in Laoye family, there will be grandsons who are capable to fill the vacant throne if this declaration is strictly followed.”
The group further requested for the cancellation of the process of selecting a new Soun and advised Gov. Makinde to use his good office and bring sanity to the process, in a transparent manner devoid of rancour.
The group noted that in Ogbomoso zone alone, about five traditional rulers have cases relating to their emergence in courts.
“It would be recalled that there are litigations against the reigning Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile, Alajaawa of Ajaawa, Aresaadu of Iresaadu, Oloko of Oko, Alapa of Okin Apa, among others. The exalted stool of Soun should not be another reference of litigation now and in future”, the group advised.
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