Ghandi Olaoye, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) based in the United States, has resigned from his position in a bid to become the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
This was confirmed yesterday, by sources close to the clergy. The sources confirmed to The Podium that Mr Olaoye has relinquished his position as the lead pastor.
Mr Olaoye is among the aspirants, who are all members of Baiyewuwon/Olaoye Ruling House, whose turn it is to produce the next Soun of Ogbomoso, after the death of the 20th Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III.
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The late Soun of Ogbomoso joined his ancestors and was interred in December 2021. And his death left a vacuum the Ogbomoso kingmakers are striving to fill.
Having widely practised as a Christian leader for over three decades, Mr Olaoye’s potential kingship will tilt his faith and religious practices towards traditional practices required of the occupant of the royal stool.
As the Soun of Ogbomoso, Mr Olaoye will be expected to observe various traditional rites of ascension to the throne of Ogbomoso and will also learn to adapt to traditional festivals of the Ifa oracle, Ogun and Egungun practices that are against his Christian faith which he has professed and practiced for over three decades.
Mr Olaoye worked as an entrepreneur before becoming a pastor in 1992. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Masters in Industrial and Labour relations.
While nothing is cast in stone yet, Mr Olaoye has been said to be favoured to ascend the throne as the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso. His name has been said to be gaining currency in recent times.
Should he succeed, Mr Olaoye will be following the footsteps of another former Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor, Kehinde Olugbenle, who also resigned from his pastoral duties to become the Olu of Ilaro in Ogun State.