•Chief Ayo Adebanjo
Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has explained why two offices – those of Acting National Leader and Deputy Leader – were abrogated by the organisation.
The body recently announced that Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who has occupied the position of Acting National Leader of the organization, has been removed, reports Saturday Sun.
While Adebanjo who served as Deputy Leader was appointed Acting National Leader, Oba Olaitan Oladipo, the Alaago of Kajola Ago, was named Deputy Leader. The appointments were made on March 16, 2021, with Chief Reuben Fasoranti yielding the offices to the duo due to old age. According to Ajayi, the abrogation of the two offices was based on the findings of the Afenifere Reconciliation Committee, headed by former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
The committee’s report was presented at a general meeting held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the residence of Pa Fasoranti in Akure. Ajayi revealed that a motion was duly moved and seconded for the offices to be abolished.
Ajayi clarified that although Adebanjo had served as the Acting Leader, Pa Fasoranti remains the National Leader of Afenifere. He emphasised that Afenifere’s tradition dictates that all official meetings should be held at the residence of the National Leader. However, no meetings had been scheduled in Akure since March 2021, leading to concerns over a deviation from established norms.
Attempts to speak with Chief Adebanjo yesterday yielded no fruits, as the elder statesman did not pick his calls. Saturday Sun gathered, however, that a meeting has been scheduled for next week, and it is expected to be attended by a group within Afenifere loyal to Chief Adebanjo.
The decision will be taken at the meeting whether to accept the abrogation of the two offices or not.
Ajayi stated that Afenifere operates under a collegiate leadership system, where critical decisions necessitate consultations. The meeting concluded that Adebanjo had made significant choices without proper consultation, including endorsing the presidential candidacy of the Labour Party’s Mr. Peter Obi during the 2023 general elections.
Reminded that Pa Fasoranti also endorsed President Tinubu, Ajayi stated that the Afenifere leader had undertaken consultations, involving leaders from across Yorubaland.
He noted that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Adebayo Lawal, at the meeting where Tinubu was endorsed.
He clarified that Governor Makinde attempted to mediate and facilitate peace in July 2023, but Adebanjo dismissed any notion of conflict. The reorganisation of Afenifere, according to Ajayi, aims to restore the organisation to its original purpose of protecting the interests of the Yoruba race. He stressed that Afenifere is a socio-cultural and political organisation, not a political party.
