JUST IN: Oba Olaitan emerges new Afenifere leader

The Deputy Leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has emerged as the new leader of the foremost Yoruba group.

Oba Olaitan assumed leadership following the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as he was unanimously elected as the new leader.

This was contained in a statement by the Secretary-General of the group, Chief Sola Ebiseni, who said Oba Olaitan would serve as the acting leader until the final burial of the late leader, Adebanjo.

Ebiseni stated that the decision to appoint Oba Olaitan was reached after the general meeting of Afenifere, held at the country home of the late leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

He said, ”The meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new Leader of Afenifere.

“Oba Olaitan will function as the leader in an acting capacity until after the final burial of Papa Ayo Adebanjo, when he will officially assume office as the substantive leader.

“Oba Olaitan was called to the Nigerian Bar as a lawyer in 1971, served as a Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande, and was a member of the Lagos State Executive Council between 1979 and 1983. He was also elected as a member of the House of Representatives and served as the Leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the House from 1999 to 2003.

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“He has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years, serving in various capacities, including as National Financial Secretary under the leadership of Chief Reuben Fasoranti and as Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.”

In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaitan committed himself to upholding the ideals of Afenifere as a socio-political organization and an unwavering advocate of restructuring and true federalism. He pledged to ensure the unity of the organization.

Ebiseni noted that the meeting formally acknowledged the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, recognizing his immense contributions to nation-building, as reflected in the glowing tributes from various individuals and groups in Nigeria and beyond.

“The meeting commiserated with the children and immediate family members of our late leader and commended them for their tireless and gracious engagement with the large number of people who visit the Lekki, Lagos, and Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State residences to pay their respects.”

Speaking on the country’s security challenges, Afenifere condemned the worsening security situation.

Ebiseni said, “Members received reports of a young man, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, whose ordeal in the den of kidnappers has been circulating on social media for nearly a week.

“The meeting called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi states, around whose common boundary the kidnapping reportedly took place, and the relevant security agencies to act without further delay and ensure the young man’s rescue and safety.”

He added that the meeting was attended by delegates from the six South-West states, as well as Kogi, Kwara, and the Itsekiri of Delta State. Notable attendees included Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Pekun Awobona, Chief Tola Mobolurin, Tokunbo Ajasin, and Engr. Bayo Adenekan.

Others in attendance included Hon. Leke Mabinuori, Olayemi Olajuyinu, Olu Pessu, Chief Olusegun Olawoyin, Chief Sola Ebiseni, and Justice Faloye.