Amidst tension emanating from the crises generated by 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 appealed to the Oyo State governor, Engr. 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 on Governor Makinde “becomes imperative in the interest of justice, fairness, transparency, and unity of the ruling families and the community at large”.
The stool became vacant after Oba (Dr) Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the 27th Soun, joined his ancestors at the age of 95 years on December, 12, 2021. A US-based Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, has been chosen by the Kingmakers as the new Soun. However, there have been protests against the choice from 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 a an exalted and significant throne that must not be toyed with”.
Alhaji Mutiu explained thus: “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 quaters.
“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”, he said.
While calling for decorum in the matter, the Secretary, Mr Adegboyega, further reiterated 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, present 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 and 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.
“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.”
Bemoaned by these lingering crises, the group called for a cancellation of what it called ‘unscrupulous process of selecting a new Soun’ and advised the governor to use his good offices and bring sanity to the process in a transparent manner devoid of rancor.
The group noted that in Ogbomoso zone alone, about five traditional rulers have cases relating to their emergence in courts, saying that “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.
