The United Kingdom and United States chapters of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, have rejected the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new leader of the organization, dismissing the claim as misleading and erroneous.
In a joint statement signed by Dr. Durojaiye Akindutire, Chairman of Afenifere USA, and Engr. Babatunde Shianaba, Chairman of Afenifere UK, described the claim as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
“This misleading claim is not only false but also a grave affront to the esteemed institution of Afenifere, which has long been a beacon of Yoruba socio-political advancement,” the statement read.
They emphasized that Afenifere remains a structured and principled organization under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, a revered elder statesman whose wisdom and steadfast guidance continue to shape the Yoruba people’s destiny.
The statement strongly condemned those attempting to divide the group:
“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.”
The leaders urged such individuals to form their political entity rather than exploit Afenifere’s revered name for personal ambitions.
Afenifere’s UK and US chapters also called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to caution Oba Oladipo Olaitan against meddling in the group’s affairs in a divisive manner.
“Traditional rulers are expected to serve as custodians of peace and unity, not as instruments of discord within respected socio-political structures. It is beneath the dignity of an Oba to be manipulated as a pawn in efforts to destabilize an organization that has tirelessly championed Yoruba progress.”
The statement further criticized Olaitan’s credentials, questioning his legitimacy to lead Afenifere:
“It is preposterous that a fourth-class Oba from a remote hamlet in Ijesha land, Alaago-Kajola, would harbor ambitions of leading Afenifere and, by extension, the Yoruba people.”
They accused him of previous political miscalculations, including his 2007 Osun State gubernatorial candidacy under the now-defunct NDP, a party linked to the late General Sani Abacha’s political machinery.
“Olaitan disregarded wise counsel from Afenifere leaders, demonstrating a long-standing pattern of pursuing an anti-Yoruba agenda.”
As a result, they called on Pa Reuben Fasoranti to expel Oba Olaitan from Afenifere, citing his lack of commitment and absence from official meetings since March 16, 2021.
“His continued association with Afenifere is untenable. He must be expelled, just like others falsely parading themselves as members without any legitimate affiliation.”
Concluding the statement, Afenifere’s UK and US representatives reiterated that the organization has no faction, and remains firmly under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
“Any attempt to sow confusion or distort the truth will ultimately fail, for history and justice shall always prevail.”
