The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday 19th of December, 2023 presented the Staff of Office to the new Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye at Ogbomoso Township Stadium.
The event, which was held in Ogbomoso had in attendance dignitaries and mammoth crowd cheering in celebration of their new monarch.
Makinde, while presenting the staff of office to the new Soun, said, “I will now hand over the Instrument of Office and Staff of Office to Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III.”
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaoye said, expressed his commitment to ensure a prosperous and united community.
He also said he would utilise his skills and network in attracting development to the community.
He said, “My service is premised on a clear vision. I am very aware of the words that the wisest of Kings recorded for us in the book of Proverbs that without a vision, the people perish.
“My vision for a prosperous and peaceful Ogbomosholand rests on a detailed 25-year plan, to be unveiled in the coming months. I promise to serve this vision with all I have, the relationships I have built over the years here in Nigeria and abroad, the experience I have garnered from running several successful businesses, and the skills garnered from more than 30 years of pastoring churches and other pastors. As I have said on several occasions, I have stopped being a church pastor and now become a shepherd of a people”.
Among the dignitaries at the presentation were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja III, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, immediate past Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, former Minister of Information, Lai Muhammed, and a host of other eminent Nigerians.
Recall that Makinde had approved the selection of Oba Olaoye from Olaoye Ruling House, on September 2; while the kingmakers in the ancient town led by the Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, installed him, on September 8, as the new Soun of Ogbomosoland.
