Afenifere Unrest Continues: Fasoranti’s Faction Removes Adebanjo as Acting Leader

The crisis within the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has intensified as the Reuben Fasoranti faction takes a drastic step by abolishing the positions of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader. The current occupants of these roles, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Oba Oladipo Olaitan, have been ousted.

When approached for comments on this move, Pa Ayo Adebanjo tersely responded, “I have no comments.”

The roots of this turmoil trace back to 2021 when Pa Fasoranti relinquished his leadership role in Afenifere, citing old age as the primary reason. At that time, he appointed Pa Adebanjo as the acting leader. However, the recent decision by Fasoranti’s group aims to eliminate the Acting Leader and Deputy Leader positions, ostensibly to prevent further polarization within the organization.

During the monthly meeting held at Fasoranti’s residence, a motion to dissolve these positions was proposed by 92-year-old Professor of Surgery, Samuel Ibikunle, from Ogun State. Dr. Niyi Ikuomelo from Ondo State seconded the motion. The group, led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Oba Olu Falae, and convened by Fasoranti, unanimously approved the motion.

Professor Ibikunle, emphasizing the report of a reconciliation committee reaching a deadlock, moved the motion, stating, “I 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 subsequent communique confirmed the dissolution of the dual positions, with members from Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo, and Ondo states unanimously supporting the motion. This decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the future direction of Afenifere and its role in Yoruba socio-political affairs.