Oba Ghandi: Redefining the stool of Soun nay Obaship
Femi OGUNLANA
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The enthronement of former Prince Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomosoland, transforming into His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, now appears to be one of the best things to have happened to Ogbomoso, second largest city (though not lesser in significance to the largest) in Oyo state, the acclaimed Pace Setter State.
Since that breaking news story – ‘See the Prince touted to be the next Soun’ – by ogbomosoinsightonline.com, after he was selected by the kingmakers on March 22, 2022, the dynamic in Ogbomoso has been changing in positive dimensions.
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Prince Ghandi Olaoye immediately struck an endearing chord with the indigenes. It’s inexplicable. Perhaps this was evoked by his commanding presence enhanced by his physical attributes, rich resumé, antecedents, clout, religious standing, being scion of a towering father with immense influence and what have you.
Though the journey to his enthronement was long, arduous and tough he eventually got his ardent dream to sit on the throne of his fathers realized. His spirit resonates well with the majority’s hence the swell of support in his favour.
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In a little over a year on the throne, one can declare the Oba has not disappointed, notwithstanding the avalanche of debilitating challenges and distractions. It has been a frenetic one year of action, of building goodwill, inspiring his subjects, motivating them, building consensus, creating vision, setting noble goals, resetting the foundation for progress and development and working round the clock to transform the realm into a model, investment-, eco-friendly city.
His Majesty’s work is defined and is conscientiously being done; enthusiasm is mounting to seeing a New Ogbomoso. We are witnessing a paradigm shift from ordinarin, the dynamics are changing. People are rediscovering the essence of their citizenship of the city. Hope is being fostered and renewed. The ecstasy is overwhelming. The ruler is breathing his spirit and power of possibility into his people. He is showing the way that to achieve an amplified, energized, empowered smart city is a goal within the realm of possibility. Hope is one of the greatest things that can be gifted to an individual or people and this, the inimitable Oba Ghandi is offering. When hope floats in one’s sub-conscious, there is a surge of motivation and energy for accomplishment of great things.
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His accomplishments in a year are exciting for whoever will assess his trajectory fairly. He has demonstrated he is not an Oba who will sit back waiting for what will come, or what is to come. Rather he is imbued with an orientation that a leader needs to meticulously put on his thinking cap, set his goal and vision, and strive, galvanizing others, for its accomplishment. He is an Oba who aligns his thoughts, decisions with corresponding actions. He goes boldly after what he desires not sparing any expenses or efforts. Some seek Obaship position for the inherent benefits but Oba Ghandi has not shown penchant for that. He is rather seeking to enlarge the coast of his domain to achieve high rating in developmental indexes. He is not a typical traditional ruler whose overriding interest is sprinting to sell off family lands or other inheritance in a dubious manner to enrich himself. He has displayed inclination to forego pecuniary gains from installation of chiefs rather directing such should be channeled to community development. He is a symbol of sincerity and integrity. Instead of waiting for government he is quick to initiate collaboration with government and individuals whose focus is in sync with his as depicted in the ongoing revamping of pipe-borne water project in the community and in road rehabilitation interventions.
The Soun stool has been made great before his ascension. The progenitor Soun Ogunlola laid a foundation of strength. His descendants and successors were no less capable. They have sustained the legacy of bravery, power, nation-building ability, wisdom, courage and indomitableness. Their daring nature and prowess in battle which attracted several like-minded men of valour made the town invincible and impregnable, provoking the creation of an empire, all which enhanced the status and position of the town, turning it into a force to reckon with, from which the throne gained immeasurably. From a Baale ranking the stool is proudly an Oba today, designated (by the Oyo state government) an Imperial Majesty, one of the three in the state. And rotationally serves as one of the three permanent chairmen of Oyo state traditional council.
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Oba Ghandi is no less in stature compared to his forebears, his illustrious predecessors. He is exuding confidence upping the stake and giving the stool a new definition. His calculated strides are no doubt giving the community greater visibility nationally and globally. The hype about Ogbomoso in the last one year is unprecedented in recent times. Ogbomoso and the Soun trend consistently, it is as if the Soun is now the only Oba; he is gradually becoming the preferred choice for royalty at upscale events. His urbane outlook, exposure, education, great intellection, eloquence, oratory power, connections, potpourri of ideas and deep reservoir of knowledge are making him to be much sought after. His friendship is widely being craved. All this adds to the glory and value of the Soun stool, definitely.
Iln one year of reign he has demonstrated unequivocally that he holds an idea of Obaship which assumes the kernel of growth and development in its community. The Oba must ginger, drive and serve as the fuel for the aspiration of reshaping their landscape towards achieving the desired outcome. Not laid back, he must be the one to rouse his subjects to take their destiny in their hand, and take greater control of their circumstances to create that outcome they desire, less reliant on external variables like the government. The Oba whose image he is sketching incites focus on harnessing his people’s potentials and resources, amplifying their efforts and making strategic decisions to transform their community. For Oba Ghandi, the whole idea is for the natural ruler to be the pivot for change.
That is his definition of Obaship and that is what he has been exploring in the last one year. There is no doubt he is succeeding in this drive.
The dormant volcano is rumbling.
Let us wait to see the outcome, the kind of legacy his experimentation will birth.
