Oyo State Appeals Judgment Nullifying Selection of Soun of Ogbomoso

Oyo State Government Appeals Sack of Soun of Ogbomoso

The Oyo State Government has filed an appeal against the judgment of the High Court that sacked Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso.

Background

On September 8, 2023, the Oyo State Government announced Pastor Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso. However, one of the contestants, Kabir Laoye, sued Ghandi Olaoye, arguing that he was not eligible to take the position.

The High Court in Ogbomoso restrained the state government from presenting any instrument of office to Olaoye until the final determination of the case.

However, the kingmakers were not aware of the restraining order and proceeded to install Olaoye as the new Soun.

On October 25, 2023, the High Court nullified the selection process that produced Oba Ghandi as the Soun and ordered the conduct of a new selection process.

Appeal

The Oyo State Government has appealed the judgment of the High Court to the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal. The state is also seeking a stay of execution of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.

Grounds of Appeal

The state government has argued that the trial judge erred in law and that the judgment cannot stand. The government has also argued that the trial judge did not consider all the evidence before reaching a decision.

Conclusion

The appeal by the Oyo State Government is a sign that the state government is determined to keep Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso. It remains to be seen whether the Court of Appeal will agree with the state government or the High Court.