Afenifere Faction Distances Itself From Farotimi’s Appointment
The leadership crisis within the Pan-Yoruba sociocultural organization, Afenifere, resurfaced on Wednesday as the faction loyal to Pa Reuben Fasonranti distanced itself from the appointment of Mr. Dele Farotimi as the Organizing Secretary of the organization.
The Fasonranti-led faction reiterated that its leadership structure remained intact and that only the faction led by Pa Reuben Fasonranti was the legitimate and authentic Afenifere.
The dispute arose after the Chief Ayo Adebanjo-led Afenifere appointed Farotimi to the position of National Organizing Secretary during a meeting held in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, on Tuesday.
In response to Farotimi’s appointment, the Organizing Secretary of the Fasonranti-led faction, Omolola, issued a statement clarifying that while the faction respected individuals’ democratic rights to organize and associate, Pa Fasonranti’s leadership was the only legitimate Afenifere.
“We acknowledge the appointment of Dele Farotimi as the National Organizing Secretary of the faction led by Pa Adebanjo. However, it is important to clarify that there is only one authentic Afenifere, which remains under the leadership of Pa. Reuben Fasonranti,” Omolola said in a statement provided to LEADERSHIP in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Omolola emphasized that the Fasonranti-led group continued to uphold the core values and principles that guided Afenifere since its formation and remained dedicated to the welfare and progress of the Yoruba people and the nation at large.
He urged the public to differentiate between the authentic Afenifere and any other groups claiming the name for political purposes, reiterating that unity, justice, and democratic values would continue to drive the organization’s work. He also expressed the faction’s commitment to collaborating with all who shared these values, despite any factional differences.
“Our focus remains on unity, justice, and the advancement of democratic values,” Omolola concluded, stressing that the future of the South-West region and Nigeria hinged on unity and addressing the issues that mattered most to the people.
