Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group Afenifere clarified that Reuben Fasoranti, the chief still the leader, dismissed the recent appointment of Oba Oladipo Olailan as acting leader.
The organization’s national publicity secretary, Jare Ajayiannounced this in a statement Wednesday, and insisted that Afenifere does not have a leadership-level vacuum cleaner.
Naija News Ajayi criticized some members’ decision to appoint Olaitan without Fasoranti’s consent, describing it as a deviation from Yoruba’s tradition.
“Afenifere’s national leader Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti is still nearby. He is not only hale but also fulfilled, but also provides the necessary leadership for the glory of God.
“How do you talk about filling a void that doesn’t exist without a vacuum?” Ajay said.
He drew this statement from the Yoruba tradition: “Bi Oba Kan Ko Ku, Omiran Kii Je” (When the incumbent was still on the throne, the king was not appointed). ”
Fasoranti’s leadership and internal rifts
Fasoranti took over from the late Senator Abraham Adesanya, who had previously appointed Chief Ayo Adebanjo as acting leader and Olaitan as acting deputy leader.
However, Fasoranti later canceled the arrangement due to internal conflicts and unilateral actions taken by certain members without approval.
After that, Afenifere was divided into factions, and Adebanjo’s team operated independently of his Lagos and Ogun Residences.
Ajayi noted that while Afenifere formally acknowledged APC’s Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, some members mobilized Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential elections.
“Appointing an acting leader too early”
A spokesperson for Afenifere also questioned the timing of appointing a new acting leader, as Adebanjo has not been buried yet.
“It is worrying that when the current agent leader was not buried, a faction’s agent leader and acting deputy leader were rushing to be appointed.” Ajay said.
He insisted that Afenifere has a long-term process for appointing its leaders, adding that the recent announcement violated the organization’s tradition.
“The way announced Tuesday is alien to Afenifere’s tradition,” He said.
Ajayi reiterated that the organization’s direct priority is to organize a funeral suitable for Adebanjo, rather than engaging in leadership quarrels.
“Afenifere is still mourning the demise of one of its highly respected leaders, Ayo Adebanjo. For now, our focus is to ensure that the funeral is right for him.” He came to the conclusion.
