Religion and tradition are two distinct phenomena that people in Nigeria are very cautious to mix, because religious teachings most often than not go against traditional values.
However, today PoliticsNow beam the light on Afolabi Ghandi Oyewunmi a very unique personality who against his will took the bold step by accepting to take the throne as the Soun of Ogbomosho after serving as a pastor for over 30 years.
Twenty one months after the late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewunmi, the longest-reigning king in the town’s history, passed away, the historic town of Ogbomoso has a new ruler.
Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye was named the new Soun of Ogbomosoland on Saturday by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye’s appointment is quite special since he is not only a true son of the soil but will also join a very exclusive group of people who have given up the pulpit for the throne of their forefathers.
Before travelling abroad to pursue postgraduate study in Industrial and Labour Relations, the Soun of Ogbomoso-designate completed his English Language studies in Nigeria.
He had a successful career as an entrepreneur and motivational speaker prior to his ordination as a minister in the Redeemed Christian Church in 1992.
In contrast to his father, who attempted to become the Soun of Ogbomoso in 1940, Prince Olaoye declared that he never aspired to be king despite being born into the royal line of Olaoye, one of Ogbomoso’s five royal families along with the Oyewunmis and Ajagunlades.
Olaoye, commonly known as “Pastor G,” had been serving as a pastor since 1992, when he started serving in that capacity in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Before moving to Germany, where he headed another RCCG Parish in Bonn, he had servedas the pastor of three RCCG churches in Nigeria.
He currently serves as pastor of the RCCG, Jesus House in Washington, DC.
Additionally, he oversees the convention and special projects for the RCCG in North America.
He claimed that after expressing his disinterest in the stool to the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, he was instructed not to fight for what he was born to do.
Being a clergyman, Ghandi declared his faith directly opposed every justification for ascending to the ancient monarchy, in addition to his own personal misgivings about it. He claimed that, nevertheless, God revealed Himself to him through the stool.
While addressing his congregation at his church in the US, Ghandi said the reality of being the Soun of Ogbomoso- designate dawned on him after several consultations.
He said he had plans to tour the world since he loves travelling. According to him, his mysterious birth in a car might have been the reason for his undying passion for travelling across the world.
Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye is happily married to Omo, who is also a pastor.His wife founded and pastors the Jesus Women Ministries, a women’s organisation that is committed to addressing pertinent issues that affect women from birth to old age, to positively affect these areas in line with the word of God.
Ghandi stated in a sermon to his church in the US that after multiple consultations, the reality of becoming the Soun of Ogbomoso-designate dawned on him.
Prior to the throne issue being discussed, the clergyman who had intended to retire at age 60 stated that he had intentions to explore the world.
Omo, who is also a pastor, and Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye are happily married.His wife developed and serves as the pastor of the Jesus Women Ministries, a group of women dedicated to tackling important issues that affect women from conception to old age in order to have a good impact in these areas.
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