Afenifere removes Adebanjo as acting leader

Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has removed Chief Ayo Adebanjo as its acting leader.

The National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, made this known during the group’s monthly general meeting at his residence in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Fasoranti had, in March 2021, relinquished power due to old age and named Adebanjo, the former deputy leader, as the acting national leader, while the former financial secretary, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Alaago of Kajola Ago, was named the deputy leader.

However, Fasoranti, on Wednesday, said the positions of acting leader and deputy leader have now been abrogated.

He added that Afenifere has constituted a 21-member elders’ committee to advise the leader of the group.

Fasoranti, in a communique read by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said the decision was taken as a result of the recent development which had led to division among the leaders of the group.

The communique read in part: “In the light of recent events and the pressing need to reposition and rejuvenate Afenifere, it has been decided that the position of acting leader and deputy leader have now been abrogated.

“The responsibilities and authority of advising the Leader of Afenifere and Asiwaju Yoruba are now vested in the Afenifere Elders Caucus which is hereby constituted.”

Members of the Elders Caucus include Pa Fasoranti, who is the chairman; Adebanjo, Oba Olu Falae, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa.

Others are Senator Kofo Bucknor Akerele, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Lt. Gen Alani Akinrinade, Maj Gen. Olu Bajowa, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Prof Banji Akintoye, Otunba Dr. S.A. J. Ibikunle, Chief Femi Aluko, Prince Alonge, Dr. Yomi Finnih, Prince Olusi, Hon Korede Duyile, Prof Ropo Sekoni, Hon Lekan Alabi, and Dr Kunle Olajide.

The Star