Fasoranti’s death: Rumbling in Yorubaland, a new Afenifere may emerge

Old guard moves to form ‘Afenifere Independent’ Oba Olaitan calls for truce Forceful acquisition of pan-Yoruba group is dead on arrival —Ex-spokesman ‘Without Adebanjo’s camp support for Peter Obi, Tinubu may not have been president’ By Dapo Akinrefon The leadership crisis within the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, may be far from being over.

This is as a result of a factional camp asking other factions to unite behind the leadership of Oba Oladipo Olaitan. But while most of the Fasoranti camp vowed to resist such a move, some of the old guards, it was gathered, plan to form another Afenifere. Most of them, who belong to various factions, disagree over cultural succession norms and the potential emergence of a break-away Yoruba group.

A source told Sunday Vanguard that discussions are ongoing to jettison both camps and start on a clean slate. Multiple sources said there is a need to resuscitate Afenifere and give the Yoruba race a formidable platform. A credible source informed Vanguard that while some members of the group are making moves to throw up what they called Afenifere Independent, the Akure camp is gearing up to name a former governor as Fasoranti’s successor.

The source said: “One thing I know is that the Akure camp will not approve that Oba Oladipo Olaitan emerges as Afenifere leader. I know who they are planning to name as Fasoranti’s successor. He is a former governor. The two camps cannot be united as it is and that is why some of us having made up our mind to come up with Afenifere Independent.” Last week, following the death of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Oba Olaitan camp formally announced the consolidation of its collective leadership under his (Olaitan’s) stewardship.

It said the transition was a tribute to Fasoranti’s legacy and a step towards promoting unity and defending Yoruba socio-political interests. The factional National Publicity Secretary and Secretary-General, Prince Justice Faloye and Alade Rotimi-John respectively, said Olaitan had demonstrated sincerity of purpose and the capacity to champion the group’s interests while promoting national unity.

The statement read: “The modern history of the Yoruba people and the political evolution of Nigeria bear the indelible mark of Fasoranti. As a patriarch of principles, Pa Fasoranti carried the sacred torch of Afenifere with unyielding grace, following in the visionary footsteps of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Senator Abraham Adesanya.

Through seasons of national uncertainty, he stood as a steadfast moral compass, a relentless advocate for true federalism, equity, fairness and the progressive advancement of his people. His leadership anchored the Yoruba nation in wisdom, courage and an unshakeable commitment to justice and fair play.” In their defence, they were of the view that the consolidation of the great legacy now rests upon Oba Oladipo Olaitan, while they insisted that the time for division is over.

The statement further said: “Over the years, Oba Olaitan has demonstrated a profound sincerity of purpose and the strategic capacity to champion the core interests of Afenifere while simultaneously promoting the greater unity of Nigeria. His track record reflects a leader who understands the delicate balance between popular advocacy within a region and the broader imperative of national cohesion.

Afenifere hereby issues a solemn clarion call to all factions, political actors and upcoming generations within the Yoruba nation that the time for division is over. The survival, stability and prosperity of the Yoruba people now depend on absolute pan-Yoruba unity. We urge all sons and daughters of Omo kaaro oojiire to close ranks, eschew the politics of bitterness and hatred, and unite firmly behind the leadership of Oba Olaitan.

Together, we look towards a future in which historical injustices will be rectified and Yoruba heritage and interests secured in a fair and equitable society under God. In assuming this sacred mandate, Oba Olaitan is entrusted with the responsibility of leading with an absolute sense of purpose and unassailable dignity. As a traditional ruler, he is steeped in the exercise of restraint, the application of wisdom and the dignified statesmanship assured by his royal pedigree.

He knows how to remain immune to transient political persuasions and undue pressures, holding his leadership position not as a political office but as a divine trust for the collective protection of our institutions and people.” The statement drew the ire of some Afenifere chieftains who expressed disappointment over the faction’s position. Following the backlash of the statement, Oba Olaitan, Sunday Vanguard gathered, had called for a meeting.

This reporter was informed that Oba Olaitan had seen the handwriting on the wall that his leadership may not go down well even within his camp, hence the need for a meeting on Thursday. It’s premature to discuss succession plan —Falae The Chairman of the National E