The Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has decided to eliminate the positions of acting leader and deputy leader within the organization. The current holders of these roles are Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Oba Oladipo Olaitan, respectively. This resolution was reached during the group’s monthly meeting held at the residence of its national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.
In a communiqué released on Wednesday by the group’s national publicity secretary, Jare Ajayi, it was emphasized that the primary motivation behind this decision was to prevent the polarization of Afenifere. The motion to dissolve these dual positions was proposed by 92-year-old Professor Samuel Ibikunle, a professor of surgery from Ogun State, and seconded by Niyi Ikuomelo from Ondo.
Professor Ibikunle, in presenting the motion, stated, “Based on the report of the reconciliation committee, which has reached a dead end and is unable to achieve reconciliation, I, Prof Samuel Ibikunle of Ogun state Afenifere, hereby move that the offices of the acting leader and deputy leader should be dissolved into an Afenifere Elders Caucus to be constituted by the leader.”
The communiqué outlined the unanimous support for this motion when presented to the general assembly. Consequently, the Leader declared the dissolution of the positions of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader. The responsibilities and authority that were formerly associated with these roles will now be vested in the newly constituted Afenifere Elders Caucus.
Members of the Elders Caucus include prominent figures such as Chief R. F. Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, HRM Oba Olu Falae, HE Senator C O Adebayo, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Senator Kofo Bucknor Akerele, Arch Bishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, Lt. Gen Alani Ipoola Akinrinade, Maj Gen. Olu Bajowa rtd, Prof Bolaji Akinwande Akinyemi, Prof Banji Akintoye, Prof Samuel Ibikunle, Chief Femi Aluko, Prince Alonge, Dr Yomi Finnih, Prince Olusi, Hon Korede Duyile, Prof Ropo Sekoni, Hon Lekan Alabi, and Dr Kunle Olajide.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Prof Ropo Sekoni, Kole Omololu, former governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Osun deputy governor Iyiola Omisore, Dare Babarinsa, Agbakin Ademola Folarin, Pastor Bola Bolawole, Chief Imam of Yorubaland Abduraheem Aduranigba, among others.
