Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has officially presented staff of Office to the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
The official coronation and presentation of Staff of the Office were held at the Soun of Ogbomoso Township Stadium, Ogbomoso today, Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
Oba Ghandi, in his brief titled “My dream and my Reality”, after receiving the instrument and staff of Office from Governor Makinde, expressed gratitude to God and all who have made the day a reality.
He said he accepted the new throne as a call from God to serve the people of Ogbomoso land and appealed to all sons and daughters of Ogbomoso to work with him to harness the potential of the land.
He added that the strength of Ogbomoso does not lie in the crown he wears alone but in the bond that binds every son and daughter of Ogbomoso together regardless of religion or gender.
He assured that his commitment to the development of Ogbomoso remained unwavering and would continue to engage and consult with all critical stakeholders of Ogbomoso land towards the actualization of his dream for his people.
Governor Makinde congratulated the king and expressed optimism that the reign of the new Soun would usher in more development and prosperity to Ogbomosoland.
Makinde also expressed optimism that the vast network of friends and associates of the new Soun would be tapped into towards the development of Ogbomoso land.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, former vice president of Nigeria, in his goodwill message, described the new Soun as his close friend of many years.
He added that Oba Ghandi has great passion and love for others and has remained a truthful person who does not discriminate against anyone regardless of social status, religion, and ethnicity.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in his goodwill message, wished the king a peaceful and successful reign while calling on all Ogbomoso sons and daughters to rally around the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Various speakers in their goodwill messages commended Governor Makinde for staying neutral in the selection process of the new Soun of Ogbomoso despite his capacity to do so.
Present at the event were the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Secretary to the Government of Nigeria (SGF) George Akume, represented, by the former military governor of Oyo state, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd.).
Some of the royal fathers present were HIM, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Olu of Warri, Oba Ogiame Atuwatse, Oluwo of Iwo, Timi of Ede, Ewi of Ado, Orangun of Oke Ila, and other eminent personalities.
Others are members of the National Assembly from Oyo state, Oyo state executive council members, present and past Oyo state House of Assembly members, Captains of Industry, and others.
