By Abiola Olawale
Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the new acting national leader of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere has reacted to his appointment, stating that he would have desired a much younger person to be in charge of the group’s affairs.
The New Diplomat‘s had reported that Pa Reuben Fasoranti stepped down as the national leader of the group on Tuesday, handing over to the 92-year-old Adebanjo.
Pa Fasoranti, 95, announced that he stepped down from the position due to old age. However, The New Diplomat’s checks revealed that the decision was not unconnected to the rigorous political shuttle ahead of 2023 general elections as Pa Fasoranti is already full of years.
Recall that in 1999 late Pa Abraham Adesanya led Afenifere to a landslide victory in South West states with the Alliance for Democracy (AD) as the adopted political party of the Yoruba. With 2023 just by the corner, it is feared that given his old age, Fasoranti won’t be able to play the role Adesanya played in 1999. The New Diplomat further gathered that this was one of the factors that may have influenced his decision to step down for Chief Ayo Adebanjo who is very active and vibrant.
But Adebanjo, while reacting to his appointment stated that age wise there is no much difference between him and Pa Fasoranti.
According to him, it is time for the younger generation to take leadership position of the group.
Adebanjo made this known during an interview sessions with the Daily Independent.
Adebanjo also disclosed that he wasn’t present at the meeting where the decision to make him the acting National Leader was reached, however, he has agreed to take up the position.
In his words, “I am not at that meeting where the decision was taken today that I will be the new leader of Afenifere but I agree with them on the decisions taken. However. I believe they should have chosen a younger person as the new leader. I also agree with those saying it is time for younger generation of leaders to take charge of Afenifere. I believe we will look into that as time goes on. People will say when a 95 year old stepped down for a 92 year old, what difference does it really make? I will really love a younger person to be in charge. I don’t have to be the leader to contribute my quota. There is nothing I have been doing now that I can’t still do. There is nothing new to add. What we have been doing in Afenifere is what we will keep doing because we are a consistent organisation. Afenifere is a principled organisation. We believe in restructuring of Nigeria and true federalism. We also believe in good governance without corruption.”
