Family christens son ‘Ghandi’ – here is why
Femi OGUNLANA
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A family in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, has christened their son, ‘Ghandi.’
“We gave him the name in honour of Oba Ghandi (Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland),” the mother of the child, who gave her name simply as Mrs. Ojo, told ogbomosoinsightonline.com. “l didn’t even know, l just saw Ghandi included in the names of the child. His father told me it’s to honour Oba Ghandi because of the fondness everybody has for him.”
She further disclosed, “Our baby was born shortly after Oba Ghandi had his coronation ceremony on December 19, 2023; he was born on January 16, 2024. There was a lot of buzz about the Oba, we love him too and so, my husband included that name in his collection of names as our token of love and respect.
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“Also, there is Gadi in the Bible, which means ‘good fortune.’ So, we are assured good fortune will cover Ogbomosoland,” she added.
The child is given other names as “Joshua and Gideon” but “Ghandi is the one that stuck,” so, the parents are addressed as “Daddy and Mummy Ghandi today.”
Meanwhile, “Daddy Ghandi” wasn’t at home when Ogbomoso Insight visited their resident at Onire Layout, off Ogbomoso-Iresaapa road and calls made to his mobile line did not connect.
However, it cannot yet be confirmed the origin of the name ‘Ghandi’ bore by the monarch whether it is in connection with the biblical ‘Gad’ (a son of Jacob and another a prophet who rebuked King David) or with that assumed by the Indians spelt “Gandhi.”
Among the prominent Indians that bore that name was Mahatma Gandhi, a “lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule.”
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There was also Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru.(the first prime minister of India), who likewise became a stateswoman who served as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and between 1980 and 1984. To date, she was India’s first and, only female prime minister.
Her son, Rajiv Gandhi, succeeded her in office as Prime Minister.
So, the name, whether spelt Ghandi, Gad or Gandhi is synonymous with greatness.
