By Abiola Olawale
Pa Reuben Fasoranti has announced his decision to step down as the national leader of the Pan-Yoruba Socio-political organization, Afenifere.
Fasoranti, 95, has therefore handed over to former deputy leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo as the acting national leader of the group while he named Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Alaago of Kajola Ago, Atakumosa, Ilesa, Osun state, as the group’s deputy leader.
The New Diplomat checks reveal that as a result of old age, Pa Fasoranti wouldn’t be able to cope with the political pressure that would go with permutations toward 2023 presidential race.
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 the factors that may have influenced his decision to step down for Chief Ayo Adebanjo who is very active and vibrant.
Fasoranti made his decision to step down known at the group’s monthly meeting held in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
He also cited the need for development of the group as part of reasons he decided to step down as its national leader.
In his words, “Afenifere as a group needs more than ever before to have an improved organisation with a more effective approach to combat the monstrous invasion of our culture and pride as a people. Only a more alike and active leadership can achieve this. At 95 I am hardly able to provide such and so it is time for me to step aside. At this junction, I am proud to announce Chief Ayo Adebanjo a politician of the Awolowo school of thought as Acting leader of Afenifere and His Royal Highness, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Alaago of Kajola Ago in Atakumosa East Local Government Area, as the Deputy Leader.”
