A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has appointed Chief Oladipo Olaitan as its new leader, following weeks of internal disagreements and leadership tussles. Naija247news reports that the appointment was made during a meeting held in Ibadan on Tuesday, where members of the faction expressed confidence in Olaitan’s ability to unite the group and advance its agenda.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the appointment of Olaitan comes amid a deepening rift within Afenifere, with some members accusing the current leadership of deviating from the organization’s core principles. “We need a leader who can restore the values of Afenifere and champion the interests of the Yoruba people,” said a member of the faction who spoke to Naija247news.
Naija247news gathered that Olaitan, a seasoned politician and community leader, has pledged to prioritize unity and reconciliation within Afenifere. “I am committed to bringing all factions together and ensuring that Afenifere remains a strong voice for the Yoruba nation,” Olaitan stated during his acceptance speech.
Naija247news understands that the leadership crisis in Afenifere began earlier this year, when some members expressed dissatisfaction with the current leadership’s handling of key issues, including the 2023 general elections and the state of the nation. According to Naija247news, the faction led by Olaitan has accused the mainstream Afenifere group of being too close to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and failing to hold the government accountable.
The appointment of Olaitan has been welcomed by some stakeholders, who see it as an opportunity to revitalize Afenifere and restore its relevance in Nigerian politics. “This is a step in the right direction. Afenifere needs strong and visionary leadership to navigate the challenges facing the Yoruba nation,” said a political analyst who spoke to Naija247news.
According to Naija247news, the mainstream Afenifere group, led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has yet to respond to the appointment of Olaitan. However, sources within the group have described the move as “illegal and unconstitutional,” insisting that Fasoranti remains the legitimate leader of Afenifere.
Naija247news reports that the leadership crisis in Afenifere has raised concerns about the future of the organization, which has played a key role in advocating for the interests of the Yoruba people. “Afenifere is too important to be divided. We hope that both factions will find a way to resolve their differences and work together,” said a community leader who spoke to Naija247news.
As the leadership tussle continues, Naija247news gathered that there is growing pressure on both factions to reconcile and present a united front. “The Yoruba nation needs a strong and united Afenifere. We cannot afford to be divided at this critical time,” said a stakeholder who attended the meeting in Ibadan.
