An Ogbomoso prince, Kabir Olaoye, has rejected the demand by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that all lawsuits challenging the selection of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Olaoye, described as an empty, threat by Makinde to deploy the instrument of office against any litigant who refused to withdraw suits against the new Soun.
The PUNCH reports that the governor issued the threat last week while presenting the staff of office to the new Soun at the Ogbomoso township stadium.
Makinde said, “By now, we should put behind us the issue of litigation. I hope before the end of next week, all the cases pending at various courts on the enthronement of Soun of Ogbomosoland will be withdrawn,
“However, if the litigants fail to heed the calls, I will not hesitate to use the instrument of office to fight back. I pray that the scenario that played out in one of the communities in this state when a suit lingered for 20 years and the king was subsequently removed from the throne will not happen in Ogbomoso.
“We pray that such a thing will not happen in Ogbomoso land. The case was of no benefit to the people, including the litigants. So, we pray that such will not happen in Ogbomoso.”
The PUNCH reports that following the lawsuit filed by Olaoye against the Soun, an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso on October 25 sacked Oba Ghandi and ordered a fresh selection process to produce the Soun.
The verdict, handed down by Justice Kareem Adedokun, was appealed by both the Soun and the Oyo State Government. They also secured an order for a stay of execution pending the outcome of the appeal.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, Olaoye, who filed the suit, described Makinde’s threat to come against litigants as empty.
The litigant said, “It is an empty threat. The state governor’s strong stance against litigants opposing the new Soun of Ogbomosoland reflects the governor’s commitment to supporting his chosen leader despite all sense of purpose.
“However, using the ‘instrument of government to fight back’ raises questions about the balance between legal processes, culture, tradition, and custom and political influence. He had made a choice even if it was contemptuous! However, I did not expect such a statement from the governor who is the number one citizen of the state. It shows autocratic leadership rather than democratic leadership.
“Moreover, it is the governor and Pastor Ghandi that approached the appeal court to undermine the earlier judgment of October 25 by the High Court of Justice, sitting in Ogbomoso. So, if there is anyone who needs to withdraw any case, it is Pastor Ghandi and others and also the counsel for His Excellency that needs to withdraw lawsuits on this Soun matter and allow the judgment of the lower court to subsist. A judgment can never be withdrawn if I’m correct.
“I appreciate the importance of adhering to the normal procedure for the selection of the Soun, as done previously. All contestants, including the prospective candidate, are committed to supporting whoever emerges through the right and established procedures.”
On Soun’s appeal for cooperation, the litigant said, “Prince Ghandi Olaoye’s call for unity among other contestants is a subtle directive to them to comply with the governor’s speech rather than a desire for collective progress in Ogbomosoland, knowing that collaborative efforts can contribute to the town’s development, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
“This is, unfortunately, apolitical knowing well that the Olaoye’s large family and the Ogbomoso are not anywhere happy with his choice.”
