By Abiola Olawale
A pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has announced the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as its acting Leader.
This comes following the demise of its leader and chieftain of the pro-democracy coalition, known as National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.
The announcement came after a meeting held at Adebanjo’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, with the details outlined in a communiqué issued by the group’s Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni.
Oba Olaitan, who had served as the deputy leader under Adebanjo, will initially take on the role in an acting capacity until Adebanjo’s final burial, after which he is expected to become the substantive leader.
The communique reads in part: “Meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new leader of Afenifere. He has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years, serving in various capacities, including the National Financial Secretary under the leadership of Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
“Oba Olaitan will function as the leader in an acting capacity till after the final burial of Papa Ayo Adebanjo when he assumes the office as a substantive leader.”
The New Diplomat reports that Adebanjo was born on April 10, 1928, in Ijebu-Ode, present-day Ogun State, Nigeria.
He had his early education in Ijebu-Ode and later proceeded to Lagos State for his secondary education.
Afterwards, he pursued a career in law, training under the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who became his political mentor and lifelong influence. Adebanjo qualified as a lawyer in the early 1960s and established his legal practice.
Adebanjo became actively involved in Nigeria’s nationalist struggle in the 1940s and 1950s. As a young politician, he joined the Action Group (AG) led by Obafemi Awolowo, which was the dominant political party in Western Nigeria.
He played a crucial role in the fight for Nigeria’s independence and later in advocating for regional autonomy and the federal structure of government in the First Republic.
In the turbulent post-independence era, Adebanjo was part of the opposition to military rule and consistently campaigned for the restoration of democracy. He was detained several times for his political views, including during the regimes of Generals Yakubu Gowon and Sani Abacha.
On the other hand, Olaitan is a prominent Nigerian figure, known for his extensive involvement in politics, law, and socio-cultural leadership, particularly within the Yoruba community.
Born in Nigeria, he has built a distinguished career that spans several decades, blending legal expertise with political service and advocacy for Yoruba interests.
Oba Olaitan pursued a career in law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
His legal background provided a strong foundation for his later roles in governance and public service. Between 1979 and 1983, he served as a Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande of Lagos State and was a member of the Lagos State Executive Council during the Second Republic.
His political career further advanced when he was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served from 1999 to 2003. During this tenure, he held the position of Leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the House.
