National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Otunba Kole Omololu, has addressed the ongoing leadership dynamics within Afenifere, a socio-cultural organisation for the Yoruba people of Nigeria, particularly the relationship between its two most prominent figures, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, clarifying that while Pa Fasoranti remains the elected leader of Afenifere, Pa Adebanjo is only a leader within the group.
Omololu in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, dismissed suggestions of division within Afenifere, describing any internal disagreements as a “family issue” that predated the 2023 elections.
He also assured that the organisation remains united, adding that “a lot of things are brewing” as the group continues to navigate Nigeria’s complex political environment.
“Afenifere has been pre-independence of Nigeria since 1951. So, we are a legacy, not only to Yorubas but to Nigeria. Anybody can make any insinuation or allusion. Afenifere is a very objective organisation. You see we are a Yoruba group, despite the fact that we have a pan-Nigerian outlook but our culture and values revolve in who we are. So, we call it the Olori ebi system. Leaders are always elected in Afenifere. Only the leader. Everyone of us among the excos are appointed. When Baba Ajasi was sick, he made Baba Adesanya the acting leader and after his death, Adesanya was elected as the leader and it happened again that Baba Adesanya was sick and he asked Pa Fasoranti to act on his behalf.
“The leader of Afenifere is like a king. He must die before any other person can become leader. We have several leaders but the leader is one. The leader of Afenifere is Fasoranti who was appointed and elected. Pa Ayo Adebanjo is a leader and more or less synonymous with Afenifere. He is a leader under Pa Fasoranti. What is happening in Afenifere is a family issue and all these happened before the last elections and the election has come and gone and I can assure you that a lot of things are brewing.”
Omololu called for a deeper and more comprehensive discussion on governance in Nigeria, urging the country to shift focus from the presidency alone to include the roles and responsibilities of governors and other sub-national leaders.
He also pointed out the need for accountability across all tiers of government, including the 36 state governors and the federal government.
“Presently, Nigeria is going through a tough time. All 36 Nigerian governments plus the federal government which is making it 37. So, whatever challenges we are going to throw, we throw it to everybody, even up to the local governments. Let us start intelligent discussions about governors in Nigeria. Let everyone involved put on their best. You know we are targeting only one person in the presidency. What about the sub-nationals? The governors?”
Chioma Kalu
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