The Oyo State Government has taken legal action against the High Court’s decision that removed Oba Ghandi Olaoye from his position as the Soun of Ogbomoso. The government had initially announced Pastor Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun on September 8, 2023. However, Kabir Laoye, a contender for the position, contested this appointment, claiming that Olaoye was unfit for the role. Despite a restraining order from the Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso that nullified the selection process leading to Olaoye’s appointment and demanded a new selection process, the kingmakers professed ignorance of the court order.
The Oyo State government has responded by filing an appeal challenging the court’s ruling. In this appeal, the government, represented by its lawyer Akin Onigbinde (SAN), has requested the setting aside of the October 25 judgment or a retrial before another judge of the Oyo State High Court. The government has cited six grounds of appeal, arguing that the trial judge made legal errors, rendering the judgment unsustainable.
This legal battle highlights the complexity of traditional leadership disputes in Nigerian communities and the rigorous legal processes involved in resolving such matters. The case underscores the significance of adherence to legal protocols and rulings in determining rightful leaders within the framework of Nigeria’s traditional institutions.
