A video featuring the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, has gone viral, showing the monarch outlining new requirements for acquiring chieftaincy titles in the ancient Yoruba town.
In the video, Oba Olaoye makes it clear that financial donations to the palace will no longer be accepted as a basis for receiving titles. Instead, he emphasized that those interested must contribute directly to the town’s growth through development projects.
“You don’t need to give Soun any money,” the monarch stated. “But we will tell you what you must do to help build the town. That’s the truth.”
He cited the example of a newly built market, funded by a chieftaincy aspirant, as a model for future applicants. “That market was built by someone who wants a chieftaincy. I’ve said we will build ten more five each in the North and South local government areas. Each one will be built by those interested in a title.
Oba Olaoye made it clear that chieftaincy in Ogbomoso carries both prestige and responsibility. He warned that titles will not be granted to those seeking shortcuts or honorary positions without meaningful contribution.
“Ogbomoso chieftaincy is not for everyone,” he declared. “If you want a cheap title, go elsewhere. But if you want one here, be ready to invest not in me, but in the future of this town.”
This new approach has been met with praise from many citizens, who see it as a bold step toward transparency and sustainable development. The Soun’s message reflects a growing trend of using traditional institutions to drive local progress.
