The channelCount is set on the builder using setChannelCount(cc)
https://github.com/google/oboe/blob/d27324865282e8d8497bdc6652df98d3f2f0f6c7/samples/hello-oboe/src/main/cpp/HelloOboeEngine.cpp#L93
You cannot direct the sound to specific speakers. The routing is determined by the phone.
I tried Hello-Oboe on a Pixel 2 XL. If I cover the top speaker with my thumb then the sound definitely changes. So it is playing through the top speaker on my device.
Perhaps some app let the phone in a state where it is treating the top speaker as an earpiece. Try rebooting the phone. Does it now sound louder in the top speaker?