By Ayomide Joseph
The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has expressed unwavering support for the leadership of Ayo Adebanjo, as affirmed in a communique issued following their monthly general meeting at Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s residence.
The meeting also recognized Oladipo Olaitan as the deputy leader. The statement acknowledged and praised the tireless efforts of the leadership in aligning with the organization’s objectives, passing a vote of confidence on Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Oba Oladipo Olaitan.
“The General Meeting as the highest organ, expressed the appreciation of Afenifere for the untiring activities of its leadership in line with the objectives and aspirations of its founding fathers. The Meeting thus resolved and passed a vote of confidence on Chief Ayo Adebanjo as the Leader and Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the Deputy Leader of the Organisation,” the communique partly read.
The organization in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election faced internal strife over the endorsement of Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, by its former leader, Reuben Fashoranti. This decision has caused divisions among Yoruba leaders, with varying opinions on its appropriateness. Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the meeting’s true intention, and discontent has arisen over the perceived drama resulting from Fashoranti’s support for Tinubu.
The endorsement contradicts Afenifere’s earlier backing of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate. Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the group’s leader, has consistently advocated for Igbo representation in the presidency, urging South West aspirants to withdraw in favor of candidates from the South East, emphasizing the principles of justice, equity, and fairness.
Adebanjo, who assumed leadership following Fasoranti’s retirement in 2021, reiterated the organization’s commitment to the rotational presidency and expressed disappointment over Fashoranti’s divergence. Fasoranti, however, maintains that Afenifere chieftains legitimately endorsed Tinubu, and in a video, asserted his continued leadership, contradicting previous statements regarding his retirement and Adebanjo’s appointment.
In response, Adebanjo rejected attempts to sow division within Afenifere and emphasized his dedication to the organization’s unity. The conflicting statements and recent developments have underscored internal tensions within the influential socio-cultural group.
