The United Kingdom and United States chapters of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, have rejected the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the group’s leader.
In a statement released on Saturday by their respective chairmen, Babatunde Shianaba (UK) and Dr. Durojaiye Akindutire (US), the groups described Olaitan’s appointment as an affront to the principles of Afenifere.
The statement, made available to journalists in Akure, Ondo State, reaffirmed that Pa Reuben Fasoranti remains the legitimate leader of the organisation.
Olaitan was appointed as leader of the faction loyal to the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo during a meeting held at Sanya Ogbo Ijebu, Ogun State, on Tuesday. The appointment followed the passing of Adebanjo, who died at the age of 97. Notably, Olaitan previously served as Adebanjo’s deputy.
However, the Afenifere diaspora chapters condemned the move, asserting that it contradicts the established structure of the organisation.
“Afenifere remains a structured and principled organisation under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, a revered elder statesman whose wisdom and steadfast guidance continue to shape the destiny of the Yoruba people,” the statement read.
The groups further accused those backing Olaitan’s appointment of engaging in political opportunism.
“It is wholly against Yoruba culture and values for younger individuals to belittle elders or seek to usurp the authority of well-established leaders. Those parading themselves as representatives of a so-called faction of Afenifere are nothing more than political opportunists and self-serving power traders.”
They urged Olaitan and his supporters to desist from using Afenifere’s name for personal ambitions and to respect the movement’s founding principles of justice, equity, and good governance.
“The very notion that a faction could claim to represent Afenifere while acting in direct contradiction to its founding principles is patently absurd. We urge such individuals to educate themselves on the rich and noble history of Afenifere rather than engage in reckless political maneuvering.”
The statement also appealed to Olaitan to reconsider assuming the role, emphasizing that traditional rulers should foster peace and unity rather than contribute to internal discord. The diaspora groups further called for sanctions against him if he insists on leading the faction.
The controversy highlights the deepening divisions within Afenifere following Adebanjo’s passing, raising concerns about the future direction of the Yoruba socio-political movement.