Controversy Over New Soun Of Ogbomosho Kneeling Before Pastor Adeboye
The selection of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomosho has sparked mixed reactions among the people of the ancient town in Oyo State. Olaoye, a former pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), was announced as the new monarch by Governor Seyi Makinde on September 5, 2023, following the death of Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi on December 12, 2021.
However, some members of the Olaoye ruling family and other aspirants have rejected the selection, alleging that it was influenced by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is a close friend of Olaoye and a senior pastor of RCCG. They also accused some local government officials and kingmakers of imposing Olaoye on them, without following the proper procedures and protocols.
The controversy intensified when photos of Olaoye kneeling before Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG, for prayers went viral on social media. The photos, which were taken during Olaoye’s visit to Adeboye’s residence in Lagos, showed the new Soun wearing a crown and a royal robe, while Adeboye laid his hands on him.
Some people criticized Olaoye for kneeling before a pastor, saying that it was disrespectful to the traditional institution and the culture of Ogbomosho. They argued that Olaoye should have sought the blessings of the chief priests of Ogbomosho, who are the custodians of the ancestral heritage of the town.
Others, however, defended Olaoye, saying that he was only expressing his faith and gratitude to God, who chose him as the new Soun. They pointed out that Olaoye had also undergone the necessary rituals and rites performed by the Ogbomosho priests, as part of the installation process. They also appealed to the people of Ogbomosho to accept Olaoye as their king and support him to succeed.
Olaoye, who is an international businessman based in Washington DC, has said that he did not aspire to become the Soun, but God spoke to him about it in a revelation. He added that he informed Adeboye of his disinterest in the stool, but Adeboye told him not to fight what he was born for.
Olaoye is expected to be formally installed as the 22nd Soun of Ogbomosho soon, after the approval of the state government. Ogbomosho is the second largest city in Oyo State and has five local government areas.
