Court sacks Pastor Ghandi Olaoye as Soun, orders fresh selection process

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso has upturned the appointment of the new Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, citing illegality of the selection process.

The court ordered that the Oyo State Government conduct a fresh selection process to enthrone a new king.

The judgment came on the heels of suit filled by one of the contestants, Kabir Laoye, who argued that Olaoye was not eligible to be appointed as the Soun, claiming that his appointment was illegal.

The court supports Laoye’s argument and ruled that Olaoye’s appointment was null and void.

While delivering his judgment, Justice Adedokun announced that the appointment of Oba Laoye was illegal.

Justice Adedokun also dismissed three petitions brought before him by one of the accusers, Prince Taofiq Laoye.

The petitions are also challenging the appointment of the new Soun.

While the process to choose a new Soun was at play, one of the contestants, who was sued for taking Soun’s position, Kabir Laoye, had appealed that Ghandi Olaoye was not eligible to take Soun’s position.

It would be recalled that the Oyo State Government had announced Pastor Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun and made him king on 8th September, 2023.