1st September, 2023
The National leader of the Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has expressed sadness over the drift within the group.
Pa Fasoranti noted that the group has dropped its core values of consultation and brotherliness since Chief Ayo Adebanjo was appointed acting leader.
According to Vanguard newspaper, the elder statesman expressed his sadness during the group’s meeting held at his country home, in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
Pa Fasoranti said: “Since I appointed my brother, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Oba Oladipo Olaitan as acting leader and deputy leader respectively about three years ago, a lot has happened.
“A noticeable drift away from our core values of consultation, brotherliness and camaraderie and traditional process of conducting the business of the
organization, upon which our collegial system of leadership is based, has been severely threatened.
“This threat has been further exacerbated by more recent events, culminating in a fracture of the traditional backbone of the organization.
“I am sorry to say, without mincing words, that our organization is in a sorry state and requires urgent restoration effort to steer it away from the current trajectory.
“This wasn’t my vision or expectation when I appointed the acting leader and deputy leader. And to say that I am sad and disappointed at the turn of events is an understatement.
“I am particularly disturbed because unless, we take urgent remedial action, the future looks very bleak and the necessary resources to revamp our organization are being depleted by the day.
“I have called you here today therefore, as leaders and responsible members of this organization, to challenge yourself to find a lasting solution to the current impasse.
“I implore you to engage frankly and honestly in the spirit of comradeship and mutual respect for which we are well known and upon which this organization is founded.
“With determination and commitment, I believe you are all able to find a solution that will propel Afenifere to greater heights. To keep Afenifere one is a task that must be achieved by us all.”
During the 2023 election, Ayo Adebanjo endorsed Peter Obi of Labour Party while Pa Fasoranti endorse Bola Tinubu of APC. This led to a rancour within the group.
Pa Fasoranti has now ordered the formation of a reconciliation and unity committee to address all the challenges in the group.
He noted that Afenifere is an ideological movement and not a political party.
The Afenifere leader added that “Deviation from the basic Principles of Afenifere has been responsible for the undesirable turn of events in the last two years. Arising from the above, Afenifere is to be brought back to its core values and tradition.”
Present at the meeting include, former Secretary to Government of the Federation SGF, Oba Olu Falae, former Ondo state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, former Osun state deputy governor, lyiola Omisore, former Secretary General of Afenifere, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Abagun Kole Omololu, Mr Dare Babarinsa amongst other Yoruba leaders.