There has been controversial news in some quarters that a Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Afolabi Olaoye, was selected by the Ifa oracle as the new Soun of Ogbomosoland in Oyo State.
As an ordained pastor of RCCG, based in the United States, Olaoye, resigned his position to become the traditional ruler of Ogbomosoland.
Having widely practised as a Christian leader for over three decades, many questioned if Olaoye would tilt towards traditional practices required of the occupant of the royal stool.
However, as the new Soun of Ogbomoso, Olaoye who, last Friday, observed traditional rites of ascension to the throne of Ogbomoso, also learnt to adapt his faith to long-established practices associated with his kingdom.
He followed the footpath of a former pastor, Kehinde Olugbenle, who resigned from his pastoral duties to become a monarch in Ilaro, Ogun State.
The D-day came on Friday, September 8, 2023, in Ogbomoso, as kingmakers began the process of performing the traditional rites on the new Soun of Ogbomoso.
Leading the kingmakers to perform the installation was the Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, who did not only proclaim Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye as His Imperial Majesty, but also described him as the Orumogege III and the 30th Soun of Ogbomoso.
The position of Soun became vacant following the demise of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, in December 2021 at the age of 95 after reigning for 48 years.
Speaking on the development, the Mogaji of Laoye family, Prince Amos Olawole-Olaoye, said the new Soun is a recognised son of the family and entitled to the throne.
However, this pronouncement runs against the argument of some that the new traditional ruler was not part of the process from the beginning.
The rancour that trailed the selection of the new Soun then became a court issue. The Chairman, Screening Committee for Laoye Ruling House in Ogbomoso, Abdulwahab Laoye