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By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The head of Ogbomoso kingmakers, Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, has said the decision of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is being awaited on the report submitted after completing the selection process for the new Soun of Ogbomoso.
Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, Otolorin said the people of the town had been waiting for the governor to act on the report.
He stated that the kingmakers screened all the 23 names the Olaoye Ruling House submitted to them for the position, adding that no law was violated.
“We have completed the selection process and have forwarded our report to him (the governor) and that is where our job ends,” he said.
Asked if the name of the United States-based Pastor, Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, was the one submitted to the governor, Otolorin said, “wait for the governor’s decision.”
The family of late Justice Mofoye Oyetunde of Ile Aremo had alleged that a Director of the African Development Bank(AfDB), Dr. Oyebode Oyetunde, was excluded from the selection process.
One of the elders in the family, Dr Usman Akano, said the Soun Chieftaincy Law of 1957 prescribed that the family whose turn it was to produce the Soun would submit just one name to the kingmakers.
He added that if they found the person suitable, they would recommend him to the governor, but if not they would ask the family to send another name until a suitable prince is found.
The family also called on the governor to order a fresh selection process, adding that nobody should be excluded.
The throne became vacant following the death of Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, who ruled for 48 years, on December 12, 2021, at the age of 95.