Soun Stool: Oyo Appeals Ghandi’s Sacking

An appeal has been filed by the Oyo State Government at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Judicial Division, to challenge a High Court verdict in Ogbomoso, which upturned the selection and installation of the new Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

The appeal was filed by Akin Onigbinde (SAN) and Co in Ibadan, on behalf of the state governor, Seyi Makinde, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the state Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy matter.

Osun Defender reports that Justice Kareem Adedokun had, on Wednesday, October 25, said the selection and appointment of Ghandi is “irregular, null and void.’’ for not strictly complying with the provisions of the Soun Chieftaincy declaration of 1958.

The government also filed a stay of execution pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

Also, the application is seeking an order from the court, restraining the claimant/respondent by himself or through his servants, agents, privies or otherwise whatsoever prevent him from taking any step or further step in recognition or pursuance of the judgment of the High Court delivered by Adedokun.

The notice of appeal dated October 27, is seeking an order setting aside the judgment of the trial court of October 25, or an order of re-trial before another judge of the state High Court.

The six grounds of appeal pointed out how the trial Judge erred in his submission and how the judgment of October 25, 2023, is against the weight of evidence before the Honourable Court.

The respondents included Dapo Atanda, Esq of Dapo Atanda’s Chambers; Ogbomoso North Local Government, Kinnira, Ogbomoso; the Traditional Council of Ogbomoso North Kinnira, Ogbomoso; S. A. Mohammed Esq., Mohammed & Mohammed & Co; Mobolaji Chambers, Kola Fatoye Esq, Chief Samuel Otolorin, Chief Salawu Ajadi, Chief Tijani Abioye, Chief David Adeniran Ojo, Pastor Afolabi Ghandi Oladunni Olaoye and others.