Afenifere Names Acting Leader After Pa Adebanjo’s Passing

A faction of Afenifere has appointed Oladipo Olaitan as its new leader, following the passing of Ayo Adebanjo on February 14, 2025. Olaitan, a former political adviser to Lateef Jakande, was selected based on recommendations from the group’s national caucus.

Sola Ebiseni, secretary general of the Afenifere faction, announced the appointment in a statement, highlighting Olaitan’s extensive experience within the organization. A lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971, Olaitan served as a member of the Lagos State Executive Council between 1979 and 1983. He was also elected to the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, where he led the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the chamber.

With over 45 years in Afenifere, Olaitan has held several key roles, including national financial secretary under the leadership of Reuben Fasoranti and deputy leader under Adebanjo. He will serve as acting leader until after Adebanjo’s final burial, at which point he will assume the role fully.

In his acceptance speech, Olaitan reaffirmed his commitment to Afenifere’s core principles, emphasizing the group’s longstanding advocacy for restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria.