The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared solidarity with the Soun-elect of Ogbomoso, Pastor Afolabi Olatoye, whose selection by the kingmakers of the town is yet to be approved by Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
While the community and other stakeholders were anticipating the Governor’s approval, the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Teliat Ayilara stirred the hornet’s nest when he recently said in a viral video that he told the Governor during the last Ramadan that he should not just approve anybody without due consultation.
The Chief Imam said he was grateful to the Governor for not approving who he said “is not satisfactory to us”.
In response, the CAN Chairman in Ogbomoso, Engr. Joseph Adegoke advised Governor Makinde not to reject Pastor Olaoye (well known as Ghandi) as the next Soun of Ogbomoso on the ground that he is not a Muslim.
Olaoye is stepped down as Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Jesus House), Washington DC, United States, upon his nomination as Soun. His name has reportedly been sent to the Governor for his approval.
Some residents of the town are said to be worried that the Governor has not approved or rejected the selection for some months.
In the viral video, the Chief Imam said: “Concerning the selection of a new Soun of Ogbomoso, I told the Governor that he should not just approve anyone without due consultations. One would think the Governor did not understand me when I said that but he did. For that reason I thank our Governor for not approving what is not satisfactory to us”.
But Adegoke, the CAN Chairman in Ogbomoso zone, told The PUNCH: “I was surprised about what he (the Chief Imam) said, it shouldn’t be so. The kingmakers selected him (Ghandi) after he was nominated by his ruling house. So, hearing that came as a surprise to us, we members of CAN.
“That is not correct. Our appeal is to the Governor to make the announcement without further delay. Since the Ruling House approved his nomination, I believe the Governor would have made findings about the matter”.
The head of the kingmakers in Ogbomoso, Chief Sobalaje Otolorin had earlier told The PUNCH that they had submitted a name to the Governor and the people are awaiting his announcement on it.
The last Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi died on 12 December last year. He was 95 and ruled for about 48 years.
