Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has authorized the appointment of Afolabi Olaoye, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, as the next Soun of Ogbomoso.
The seat of the Soun, a prominent monarch in south-west Nigeria, fell vacant upon the death of the former king, Jimoh Ajagungbade, in December 2021, at the age of 95, after reigning for 48 years.
Last year, the selection of a new monarch devolved into a judicial dispute after the Chairman of the Screening Committee for Laoye Ruling House in Ogbomoso, Abdulwahab Laoye, stated that the family had not chosen anyone to assume the vacant throne.
However, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, stated in a statement on Saturday that the announcement followed the lengthy procedures outlined in the law.
He also invited the sons and daughters of the city to join forces with the new monarch to build on the achievements of his forebears.
Mr Olayiwola said, “His Excellency congratulates the new Soun-elect on his ascension to the throne of his forebears.”
According to the commissioner, the monarch-elect’s lofty position has placed him in a position to promote harmony, understanding, and tolerance among his people.
In an interview with media last year, the Soun-elect stated that he was not initially interested in the throne but had received direct instruction from God that it was his destiny to be enthroned as the Soun.
He went on to say that he had informed his spiritual father, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, of the issue.
He claimed that when he told Mr Adeboye he was not interested, the RCCG head advised him not to say anything and instead to fast and pray about it.
Mr Olaoye said he did not take the advice seriously as he did not pray about it.
He, however, said, “I heard God told me on January 2, 2022, that becoming the Soun of Ogbomoso was my destiny.
“The next thing I heard, clearly, ‘You were born for this; this is the reason for your birth.’ That’s what I heard. Of course, that’s not what I was expecting. But, let me tell you this is what I heard, I am 10/10,” he said.
