Ogbomoso, Nigeria — The legal battle over the Soun of Ogbomoso throne has escalated as Prince Kabir Olaoye heads to the Supreme Court to challenge last Tuesday’s Court of Appeal ruling, which affirmed Oba Ghandi Olaoye’s selection.
Prince Kabir, who had initially filed a suit in 2022 (HOG/27/2022) contesting the nomination and selection of Oba Olaoye, maintains that the process violated provisions of the Soun Chieftaincy Declaration and other legal guidelines.
Despite the pending litigation, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved Oba Olaoye’s appointment, leading to his installation by the kingmakers in September 2023. However, in October 2023, the Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso invalidated the selection, ruling against Oba Olaoye’s ascension to the throne.
In response, the Oyo State government secured an injunction preventing the enforcement of the judgment, paving the way for Oba Olaoye’s formal coronation in December 2023. The state also lodged an appeal against the lower court’s decision.
Delivering its verdict last Tuesday, the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, overturned the earlier ruling and affirmed Oba Olaoye’s legitimacy as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s decision, Prince Kabir announced on Sunday that he had instructed his legal team to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
“I am not satisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal. We reject it outright and will pursue our mandate at the Supreme Court,” he stated. “We are not giving up. We remain firm in our resolve to seek justice.”
With this latest legal move, the Ogbomoso chieftaincy dispute now advances to the nation’s highest court, extending the long-running battle over the revered traditional stool.
By Taiwo Olatinwo |February 24, 2025.