At ceremony held at the Beulah Baptist Conference in Ogbomoso, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, openly supported the ascension of Oba Ghandi Olaoye to the revered position of Soun of Ogbomosoland.
This followed the vacancy created by the passing of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III.
Addressing the gathering, Pastor Adeboye elucidated, “I knew Olaoye was born to be king.” He revealed his initial counsel to Olaoye, advising him to seek divine confirmation. “I told him to go and pray,” Adeboye shared, “and when he returned saying he had not heard anything, I urged him to continue in prayer. Eventually, he returned, affirming that God had spoken.”
He emphasized his reluctance to intervene in this divine calling, stating, “If I said no and God said Yes, whose word is the final? God, of course.” Adeboye highlighted the predestined nature of Olaoye’s kingship, expressing his confidence in the divine plan unfolding.
Drawing inspiration from Acts 15:18, Adeboye imparted guidance to the new monarch, encouraging a leadership characterized by embracing all, fostering peace, and nurturing unity among his people. In a solemn moment, he anointed both the king and his wife, invoking prayers for a prosperous and harmonious reign.
In response, Oba Olaoye attributed his journey to kingship to his encounter with Pastor Adeboye, hailing him as a spiritual father and role model. “The person who anointed and laid hands on me to become a pastor is the same person who lays hands on me as a King today,” Olaoye expressed with gratitude and excitement.
Pledging an inclusive rule marked by fairness and justice, Oba Olaoye vowed, “I will not be the king to Christians alone; I will be a king to the Muslims, to the traditionalists, and every indigene of this land.” He called for unity and solicited prayers from the people for wisdom in his governance endeavors.
The ceremony witnessed the participation of eminent religious leaders offering special prayers, including the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Israel Akanji, Bishop Titus Olayinka, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, among others, underscoring the significance of this momentous event in Ogbomosoland’s history.
