The immediate-past Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Dare, his wife, and popular musician, Abolore Akande, also known as, 9ice, paid a courtesy visit to the new Soun of Ogbomoso Land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III, at his palace in Oja Igbo District, Ogbomoso, Oyo State on Saturday.
The trio were among the first set of dignitaries to congratulate the new monarch, who was appointed by Governor Seyi Makinde on September 3, 2021. Oba Olaoye is the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso and succeeded the late Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, who died on December 12, 2020 at the age of 95.
Chief Dare, who hails from Ogbomoso and served as the Minister of Youth and Sports from 2019 to 2023, expressed his delight at the emergence of Oba Olaoye as the new Soun. He described him as a man of integrity, vision and wisdom, who would bring development and peace to the ancient town. He also pledged his support and loyalty to the new king and prayed for his long and prosperous reign.
9ice, who is also an indigene of Ogbomoso and a renowned singer and songwriter, congratulated the new Soun on his ascension to the throne. He said he was proud of his heritage and culture and hoped to collaborate with the new king in promoting the values and potentials of Ogbomoso land. He also entertained the guests with some of his hit songs and presented a special gift to the new monarch.
Oba Olaoye thanked Chief Dare, his wife and 9ice for their visit and goodwill messages. He said he was humbled by their gesture and appreciated their contributions to the growth and progress of Ogbomoso. He assured them of his readiness to work with them and other stakeholders in advancing the interests and welfare of his subjects. He also solicited for their prayers and support as he embarked on his royal duties.