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Tag: Soun of Ogbomoso

  • Police arraign man for allegedly defrauding Soun of N39.5m

    Police arraign man for allegedly defrauding Soun of N39.5m

    The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday arraigned one Ali Muhammed before a magistrate court in Ogbomoso over the alleged defrauding of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, of N39.5 million under the pretext of selling him a vehicle through a Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) auction.

    The 45-year-old suspect was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on fraud, impersonation, and conspiracy.

    According to the charge sheet marked MOC/234c/C/2025, Muhammed allegedly presented himself as the Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service in Oyo State and promised to auction a vehicle to the monarch. The offence was described as impersonation, contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

    Part of the charge sheet read, “That you, Ali Muhammed, ‘M’ and others now at large, between the 12th day of October, 2025, and the 19th day of October, 2025, at Oja-Igbo area, Ogbomoso, in the Ogbomoso Magisterial District, did conspire with one another to commit felony to wit: obtaining money under false pretence, stealing and impersonation, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.”

    The case was adjourned for further proceedings.

    “COUNT II: – That you Ali Muhammed, ‘M’ and others now at large, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial district

    with intent to defraud Obtain the sum of Thirty-Nine Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (#39,500,000:00) from HRM Oba Ghandi Olaoye ‘m’ under the pretence of selling auctioned vehicles and bags of rice to him which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence

    Contrary to and punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

    “COUNT III: – That you Ali Muhammed ‘M’ and others now at large, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial district did steal and fraudulently convert the sum of Thirty-Nine Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (#39,500,000:00) to your own use property of HRM Oba Ghandi Olaoye ‘m’ and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

    “COUNT IV: – That you, Ali Muhammed ‘M’ and others now at large, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial district did falsely represent yourself to be the Comptroller of customs, Oyo/Osun

    Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu ‘m’ with intent to defraud HRM Oba Ghandi Olaoye ‘m’ of the sum of Thirty-Nine Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (#39,500,000:00) and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Qyo State of Nigeria, 2000.”

    Muhammed pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges. He was granted bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties living within the court’s jurisdiction.

    Hearing was adjourned to January 28, 2026.

  • Court stops Soun from imposing new exco on Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo

    Court stops Soun from imposing new exco on Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo

    A Federal High Court in Ibadan has restrained the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, from sacking the executive of the Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaaye and imposing a caretaker committee.

    The Nation reports that the monarch had earlier in September pronounced the dissolution of the association’s executive and announced Prof. Josiah Ajiboye as acting president, heading a caretaker committee pending the election of a new substantive executive.

    However, the acting president appointed by the association, Alhaji Yusuf Adetayo, and two other members – Mr Tolani Balogun and Alhaji Bukola Badmus – dragged Oba Ghandi, Ajiboye, and the association’s registered trustees to court, seeking an order restraining the monarch from effecting the change.

    They argued that Oba Olaoye does not have the power to sack the executive and impose leaders on the association. They explained that the association is independent and guided by its own constitution, being a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registered entity.

    The applicants sought an order restraining Ajiboye and his purported committee from forcefully displacing the acting exco appointed by the association from the secretariat, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

    They also sought an order restraining the caretaker committee from taking any step towards conducting an election or appointing any persons to office, thereby displacing the legally installed acting executive from the secretariat.

    Delivering a ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the applicants’ lawyers on Monday, the presiding judge, Justice N. E. Maha, ordered both parties to maintain the status quo ante pending the determination of the motion on notice filed on November 11, 2025.

    The court also directed the applicants to serve the certified true copy of the enrolled order and the motion on notice seeking interlocutory injunction orders and originating summons, as well as other relevant papers on the respondents within 48 hours.

    A hearing notice was also ordered to be served on the respondents, while the hearing of the pending motion seeking interlocutory orders was adjourned to December 1, 2025.

    The association, which comprises all Ogbomoso indigenes worldwide, has the Soun of Ogbomoso as the life grand patron with other monarchs in the area as life patrons.

    The life patrons include the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Onikoyi of Ikoyi, Aresadu of Iresaadu, and Alajaawa of Ajaawa.

  • JUST IN: Appeal Court affirms Oba Ghandi as Soun of Ogbomoso

    JUST IN: Appeal Court affirms Oba Ghandi as Soun of Ogbomoso

    The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has affirmed the selection and installation of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso.

    Justice Yargata Nimpar, who led a three-member panel of justices, delivered the judgment on the appeal filed by the monarch on Tuesday.

    The appeal resolved all the 10 grounds of appeal in favour of Oba Olaoye.

    Read Also: Oyo Assembly condemns alleged derogatory remarks against Soun, calls for sanctions

    Recall that Justice K. A. Adedokun of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso had on October 25, 2023, nullified the selection and installation of Oba Olaoye as Soun of Ogbomoso, asserting that the procedure of his nomination was “irregular, null and void.”

    Adedokun added that the process did not comply with the provisions of the Soun Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958.

    Justice Nimpar, however, set aside the judgment on Tuesday, paving the way for the monarch to continue his reign.

  • Soun unveils Ogbomosho’s 25-year vision for digital economic growth

    Soun unveils Ogbomosho’s 25-year vision for digital economic growth

    The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Laoye has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Ogbomoso into ‘Africa’s Silicon Valley.’

    This is as the monarch outlined a 25-year vision to position the ancient city as a leading hub for digital economic transformation.

    The monarch also at the event revealed plans for the Ogbomoso International Economy Summit which is scheduled for April 2025, saying the summit is designed to attract investors and showcase the city’s economic potential.

    Speaking at the Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit, themed “Financing and Deploying Resources for Digital Transformation,” the monarch emphasized the city’s potential for global relevance in the digital space.

    The summit, which was held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso started on Wednesday and continued on Thursday.

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    It brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for the digital transformation of the ancient town.

    The stakeholders at the event include: traditional rulers, government officials, tech entrepreneurs, and academics, all united in the vision of making Ogbomoso a global economic force.

    Speaking, Oba Laoye harped on the need to integrate technology into various sectors, including sports to enhance Ogbomoso’s economic growth.

    He said the structured 25-year development plan is aimed at “empowering industries, generating employment, improving residents’ quality of life, unlocking the city’s potential in agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, tourism, and commerce.”

    The summit’s panel discussions featured Mr. Iyin Aboyeji, founding partner at Future Africa, who stressed the need for a strong startup ecosystem and investment.

    He advised the government to focus on policy and infrastructure rather than direct business funding, highlighting the importance of creating local business success stories to inspire more entrepreneurs.

    Another panellist, Dr. Adeyemi Aderinto identified talent as a natural resource, stating that less-developed cities like Ogbomoso are the next frontier for economic growth.

    He noted that as major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are becoming saturated, emerging cities must seize the opportunity to attract businesses and talent.

    With a population of 1.2 million, Aboyeji expressed confidence that Ogbomoso could achieve its goal of becoming a leading economic city within the next decade, provided it focuses on demographic potential over geographical limitations.

    Speaking earlier, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade emphasized the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers and the government, assuring that the government will not shy away from partnering with relevant stakeholders in the interest of the development of the state.

  • Four persons docked over alleged defamation of Soun

    Four persons docked over alleged defamation of Soun

     Four persons were arraigned in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday for allegedly defaming Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

    The defendants, Owolabi  Kazeem , 47, Adebisi Muritala, 48, Mustapha AbdulRahman, 33, and Abdulsalam Abdullahi, 33, were charged on a three-count bordering on conspiracy , publishing defamatory  matter through social media and disturbing public peace.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired to publish defamatory matter on social media.

    Read Also: Soun of Ogbomoso backs Cradle carnival’

    Akinloye, specifically said that the defendants on Oct. 25,  at about 3:00 p.m at Ogbomoso, allegedly published defamatory matter through video on Facebook and other social media platforms.

    He said the defendants allegedly published that Oba Olaoye was causing trouble and inciting religious hostility in Ogbomoso Town, which they knew to be false.

    Akinloye said the defendants allegedly published false news that Oba Olaoye was causing trouble by fighting all Ogbomoso Muslims with intent to create fear and disturb the public peace.

    He said the offences contravene Section 59 (1) (2), 375 and 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

    Mr. O. F. A. Adeosun, who appeared for all the defendants, asked for their bail in most liberal terms.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N5 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

    Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be blood relation of the defendants, while the second must have three years tax clearance.

    She, thereafter, adjourned the matter until March 10, 2025, for hearing.

    (NAN) 

  • Ogbomoso cradles carnival will be biggest Nigeria’s culture, tourism event – Soun

    Ogbomoso cradles carnival will be biggest Nigeria’s culture, tourism event – Soun

    The Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye has said Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival slated for December 19- 24 will be the biggest culture and tourism event in Nigeria.

    The monarch said activities for the carnival will be one that everyone, including culture and tourism enthusiasts will be looking forward to.

    Speaking in Ogbomoso at a private dinner and fund-raising for the carnival, Oba Olaoye stated that the event forms part of his 25-year development plan for Ogbomoso, adding that the carnival represents one of his plans to bring the people of Ogbomoso together and love their town and king.

    He noted that the planned carnival would contribute to the commerce and economic development of the Ogbomoso zone and beyond.

    According to him: “The potential in Ogbomoso is very enormous, and my vision as a king is to inspire the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso for us to turn our communities around and make Ogbomosoland a model city.

    “We want our people to love Ogbomoso because if they love their town, they will want to develop it. We want our people to love their king because if they do, they will want the community to develop, and invest in their communities.

    “And that is why I have my 25-year development plan. I want to sacrifice anything humanly possible to ensure that Ogbomosoland becomes a development model in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Soun of Ogbomoso backs Cradle carnival’

    “Tonight, we have come here to demonstrate our love for this land. Ogbomoso people are everywhere in the world. One of the things that God has put in my heart is to create an environment where our people will come and be proud of Ogbomoso. The light has come to Ogbomoso.”

    Speaking on some of the activities for the carnival, Oba Olaoye said: “We know that masquerades do their exhibition in July. We have so chosen December for this carnival, and it will also involve masquerades. We have also decided to bring the Oole Oba Festival from January to December. There are a lot of events lined up for the carnival.

    “This is an annual programme that we want everybody to key into and showcase the beauty of our culture and tradition. The golf tournament is also part of it. This will also develop our commerce and economy. I just want to inspire the sons and daughters of this land.

    “The Obas in the five local government areas of Ogbomoso Zone love this lofty idea, and what we have been doing is for the sons and daughters of the land. There will be other phases, including the one for traditional institutions in Ogbomosoland.

    “We want to return Ogbomoso to the rightful position it deserves among the comity of cities in Nigeria.

    “In the area of Egungun, we want our people to eschew violence that used to be the order of the day during the Egungun festival in Ogbomoso. You all will soon begin to see masquerades that appear to have gone to extinction.”

    He called for the cooperation of Ogbomoso indigenes at home and in the Diaspora morally and financially.

    Dr Oladejo Akanni, chairman of the planning committee, said the six-day event aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomosland and promote tourism potential for economic development

    He added that the committee has lined up robust and all-encompassing events that will make people, both visitors and residents, always look forward to them.

  • Soun of Ogbomoso backs Cradle carnival’

    Soun of Ogbomoso backs Cradle carnival’

    The Soun of Ogbomoso land, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege 111, has endorsed the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival.

    This was made known at a recent gathering of Ogbomoso indigenes, who gathered at Abuja and Lagos, respectively, to meet with the new monarch.

    A fundraising dinner for the maiden edition of the Carnival had several dignitaries in attendance including the Soun of Ogbomoso, Yinka Ajao, Olabayo Oladiji, Layi Adeyemi, General Dapo Oyelade, Engr Suara, Tunji Olaniyi, Professor Femi Adeniyi, Rear Admiral Jacob Ajayi, the Oyewunmi brothers amongst several others.

    At the fundraising dinner, the monarch announced his donation of N10m towards the achievement of the carnival.

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    During the event, which was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Prince Williams  Adeleye, Chairman  Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival Committee, explained why the monarch has backed and endorsed the carnival.

    Prince Adeleye said, “It gives me great pleasure to warmly welcome you to this esteemed occasion organised by the Committee on Culture and Tourism, in celebration of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, scheduled to take place from December 19-24, 2024.

    “The promotion of our cultural heritage and tourism is a central component of the 25-year development agenda of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.  The Soun of Ogbomoso land, this initiative is designed to foster unity and stimulate economic growth within Ogbomosoland.”

    Prince Adeleye further explained that the carnival aims not only to showcase the rich cultural heritage but also to position Ogbomoso land as a preferred destination for tourists and investors across various sectors, including agriculture and food production, real estate, information and communication technology (ICT), and manufacturing.

  • Attention, Oba Ghandi; Soun of Ogbomoso

    Attention, Oba Ghandi; Soun of Ogbomoso

    Sir: I applaud your royal majesty in attracting more glory to the ancient town of Ogbomoso and its environs. We pray most fervently that your labour shall yield the most rewarding dividends that will make generations of future of Ogbomosos and neighbouring people to remember Oba Olaoye Ghandi for good.

    This is to draw your attention to some market unions or trade associations that have formed themselves into illegal cartels for orchestrating upward manipulation of price goods in the town. To be factual, these associations are creating more harm than good to the socio-economic growth of Ogbomoso. Because, they would come together to determine what prices beans, gari, elubo, edu, palm oil, charcoal, agriculture products etc. should be sold and to determine that nobody in a particular market should take goods from any other person except members of their association. This in most cases lead to price gouging, anti-competitive conduct and some commercial issues that certainly contributes to the extremely high food prices, other commodities and services. The actions of these associations or a group or combination of businesses are affecting in diminishing free market competition is wrong and most unacceptable especially in town like Ogbomoso, with rising poverty, population and inflation.

    Read Also: NGO ramps up support for displaced community in Nigeria

    As a matter of fact, trade unions and market associations should know that they should promote commerce and not destroy trade. They are vital and important to business; they are important to the wellbeing of the society but there are limitations on what they should engage in. One of the most important limitations is the control of supplies or affecting trade and commerce in a manner that reflects in price.

    Recently, Oba (Dr.) Adesimbo Kilade, Jilo III, the Osemawe of Ondo due to the high cost of food items and commodities in his domain as a result of the abnormal traders activities declared Ondo markets free and open for every legal traders. Likewise, couple of weeks ago, Alayeluwa, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesa directed that no individual must be compelled or forced to join any trade association before he or she can engage in legal businesses of their choice. The cry of joy and pleasant remarks that followed the declaration by both Osemawe of Ondo and Oba Aromolaran is proof that people are extremely tired of the excesses of trade or market associations.

    Kabiyesi, the people of Ogbomoso too are tired of the abnormally high cost price of goods and services due to the monopolistic activities of many trade or market associations in the town. The citizens’ exploitation of fellow citizens through business or trade manipulation is a crime against humanity and God which these so-called trade unions are less concerned. There is no doubt, if we do not prioritise that, it will continue and it would affect the growth and development of our town. The purpose of competition regulation is to unlock the market and enable it to behave the way it should and let price be negotiated between a seller and a buyer, which is always the surest way to arrive at the fairest possible price.

    We call on your royal majesty to look into the plight of the people of Ogbomoso and if possible sir, you can use your good office as Osemawe and Oba Aromolaran did in their respective domains on abnormal activities of many trade unions and market associations in order to bring comfort to the people.

    • Sunday Ogunkuade Ogbomoso.

  • Oba Olaoye’s coronation as Soun of Ogbomoso to hold December 19

    Oba Olaoye’s coronation as Soun of Ogbomoso to hold December 19

    Activities for the official coronation of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III are scheduled to be held between December 14 and 19.

    This followed the approval of the motion of stay of execution by the Oyo State High Court against the nullification of the selection process which enthroned the new monarch.

    Read Also: Oyo appeals Soun of Ogbomoso’s sack

    A statement by the chairman of the central planning committee of the coronation, Prof. Adesola Adepoju faulted the date published by some news outlets, adding that the correct date is December 14 – 19.

    He appreciated media partners for their support and urged them to always seek proper clarifications from the appropriate authority before going to the press.

    He added that the breakdown of the main event will be made public in a few days at the World Press Conference coming up soon.

  • Soun of Ogbomoso: Ghandi enthroned amid litigation

    Soun of Ogbomoso: Ghandi enthroned amid litigation

    Kingmakers have enthroned Pastor Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso. 

    Olaoye was installed 8am Friday with crowd of ecstatic indigenes welcoming the new monarch to the palace. 

    A palace source told The Nation that kingmakers performed enthronement traditional rites for Olaoye early in the morning before he sat on the throne of his forefathers.

    His enthronement came a day after an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso restrained Governor Seyi Makinde, the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters either by themselves, agents or officials from presenting any instrument of office in any form of ceremony or issuance of certificate of installation to the enthroned monarch pending the determination of an ongoing suit.

    The Nation learnt that judgment in the suit has been fixed for a date in October. 

    Olaoye is a United States (US)-based pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He was picked by the kingmakers after a rigorous process but Prince Muhammed Olaoye challenged his selection in court. 

    The state government, however, announced the pastor as the new candidate for the throne at the weekend. 

    Justice K.A Adedokun gave the order on Thursday while ruling on a motion ex-parte filed by Muhammed Olaoye pending the hearing and final determination of the mandatory injunction already filed before the court.

    The judge also gave an order restraining Pastor Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye from parading, representing or presenting himself as the candidate for any ceremony for the issuance of certificate of installation or wear any regalia resembling that of the occupant of the stool of Soun of Ogbomoso Chieftaincy pending the hearing and final determination of the mandatory injunction already filed before the court.

    He also ordered Prince Muhammed Kabir Olaoye to serve the motion on notice for mandatory injunction on all the 12 respondents in the suit.

    Read Also: Five prominent Nigerian Kings who are Christians

    In giving the order, Adedokun stated that after hearing counsel to the plaintiff, Abiodun Ogunjinmi, who moved motion ex-parte before the court and after carefully perusing the application, the affidavit in support, the affidavit of urgency, which are the three exhibits attached as well as the written address, he was convinced the application has merit.

    “I am convinced that the application is one of the instances where this honourable court is empowered by Order 48 Rule 8 to exercise its discretion in favour of grant of same. One of the situations which an injunction is designed to combat is to arrest a fiat accompli which the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 12th respondents have attempted to foist on the circumstances of this case. In this situation, the application is ordered as prayed and accordingly,” Justice Adedokun held.

    He consequently adjourned the matter to September 12, 2023 for hearing of the application.

    Other respondents in the suit are Ogbomoso North traditional council, Prince Amos Olaoye, the Mogaji of Olaoye Ruling House; Chief S.O. Otolorin, the Areago of Ogbomoso land, who is also the chairman of the kingmakers of Soun Chieftaincy; Chief Salawu Ajadi, the Jagun of Ogbomoso land; Chief Tijani Abioye, the Baara of of Ogbomoso land; Chief David Adeniran Ojo, the Ikolaba of Ogbomoso land and Chief Yusuf Rasaki Oladipupo, the Abese of Ogbomoso land.

    Meanwhile, the Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has congratulated Pastor Olaoye on his ascension to the throne.

    He also urged fellow contenders to cooperate with him to develop Ogbomoso, saying he was the choice of God. 

    Oba Akanbi, in a statement on Friday by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, described Olaoye’s enthronement as a blessing to the pure and unadulterated monarchy in Yoruba land.

    The statement read: “I felicitate and congratulate the new Soun of Ogbomoso, His Royal Majesty, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Laoye, on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers.

    “I have a strong hope that his enthronement will be a blessing to the pure, unadulterated Yoruba monarchy and institution as enshrined by our founding father, Oduduwa.

    “I beseech his contenders to resign to the will of Olodumare (God) by cooperating with the newly appointed Soun to move Ogbomoso land forward. Only God enthrones.

    “Equally, I commend Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the kingmakers for making the right choice. God will strengthen the new king to pilot the affairs of the ancient city.”