Afenifere crisis worsens as Adebanjo ‘sacked’ as acting leader

The crisis in the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere, worsened Wednesday as the organisation abrogated the office of its Acting Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, effectively sacking him as the leader of the group.

The decision however affirmed the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti as the leader of the organisation.

Daily Trust reports that Chief Adebanjo became the acting leader of the group after the patriarch of the apex socio-political organisation stepped down from the position in 2022, citing old age.

This was the culmination of the festering crisis in the organisation, which deepened during the build-up to the general election.

While the Adebanjo-led faction supported the candidate of Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Fasoranti backed President Bola Tinubu who was then the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Afenifere also at the time sacked the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi but was reinstated by Pa Fasoranti where several decisions taken by Adebanjo-led Afenifere were reversed.

Since then, some members of the group have been holding meetings at Pa Fasoranti residence in Akure, Ondo State.

At a meeting held on Wednesday at the Ijapo residence of Fasoranti in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the leaders of the group unanimously moved the motion to abrogate the dual positions of the acting leader and deputy leader.

The motion, which was first moved by Dr. S.J Ibikunle from Ogun State was later seconded by the members of the group from Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo and Ondo states.

They, however, declared that the responsibilities and authority of advising the leader of the group would now be vested in the Afenifere Elders Caucus.

After abrogating his office, Adebanjo was then listed as part of the Elders’ Caucus with other members including HRM Oba Olu Falae; HE Senator C O Adebayo; Senator Femi Okunrounmu; Basorun Seinde Arogbofa; Senator Kofo Bucknor Akerele; Archbishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu; Lt. Gen Alani Ipoola Akinrinade; Maj Gen. Olu Bajowa rtd; Prof Bolaji Akinwande Akinyemi; Prof. Banji Akintoye; Otunba Dr S A J Ibikunle, among others.

“In the light of recent events and the pressing need to reposition and rejuvenate Afenifere, it has been decided as follows: the positions 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,” they said.

No comment – Adebanjo

When contacted yesterday on the development, Pa Adebanjo declined comment, saying he has nothing to say.

However, a source loyal to Chief Adebanjo said the resolutions reached in Akure cannot stand, adding Pa Adebanjo remains the authentic leader of the group since Pa. Fasoranti has resigned.

It was learnt that Afenifere members loyal to Chief Adebanjo would meet soon to discuss “unfolding developments”.

However, in a statement issued to reporters after the meeting by Comrade Ajayi, the organisation reiterated its call for an urgent need to rework the security architecture of the country to ensure that Nigerians can live and move about without fear of being kidnapped or harassed.