Ooni, Osinbajo, governors, Olu of Warri, others witness occasion
Prominent Nigerians, yesterday, stormed Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as Governor Seyi Makinde officially presented staff of office to the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.

The official coronation was held at the Soun of Ogbomoso Township Stadium of the ancient town.

Oba Ghandi, in his brief, titled: “My dream and my reality,” expressed gratitude to God and all who have made the day a reality.

The monarch said he accepted the new throne as a call from God to serve the people of Ogbomosoland and appealed to all sons and daughters of the town to work with him to harness the potential of the land.

He added that the strength of Ogbomoso does not lie in the crown he wears alone but also in the bond that binds all sons and daughters of Ogbomoso together regardless of religion or gender.

He, however, gave the assurance that his commitment to the development of Ogbomoso remains unwavering and would continue to engage and consult with all critical stakeholders of Ogbomosoland towards the actualisation of his dream for his people.

Makinde, who congratulated the king and expressed optimism that the reign of the new Soun would usher in more development and prosperity to Ogbomosoland, expressed optimism that the vast network of friends and associates of the new Soun would be tapped into towards the development of Ogbomosoland.

He urged those who contested the throne of Soun with Oba Olaoye to give peace a chance, sheathe their sword and withdraw their court cases in the interest of the ancient town.

He also urged the royal families to do so before the end of the week.

Makinde warned that if those in court refused to stop, he would fight the course with everything within the powers of government.

Meanwhile, the immediate past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in his goodwill message, described the new Soun as his close friend of many years.

He said that Oba Ghandi had great passion and love for others and had remained a truthful person who does not discriminate against anyone regardless of social status, religion and ethnicity.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in his goodwill message, wished the king a peaceful and successful reign, calling on all Ogbomoso sons and daughters to rally round the new Soun of Ogbomoso.

Various speakers in their goodwill messages commended Makinde for staying neutral in the selection process of the new Soun despite his capacity to do so.

Some of the royal fathers present include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; the Olu of Warri, Oba OgiameAtuwatse; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale; the Timi of Ede, the Ewi of Ado, the Orangun of Oke Ila and others.