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 factional leader of the organization.
In a joint statement issued by their chairmen, Babatunde Shianaba (UK) and Dr. Durojaiye Akindutire (US), the diaspora chapters described Olaitan’s appointment as an affront to the group’s structure and principles. The statement, made available to journalists in Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday, reaffirmed Pa Reuben Fasoranti as the legitimate leader of Afenifere.
Olaitan, who served as deputy to the late Ayo Adebanjo, was named leader of the faction loyal to Adebanjo during a meeting held in Ogun State on Tuesday. His appointment followed the passing of Adebanjo at the age of 97.
However, the UK and US Afenifere chapters strongly opposed this move, insisting that Afenifere remains a structured organization under Fasoranti’s leadership.
“It is wholly against Yoruba culture and values for younger individuals to belittle elders or seek to usurp the authority of well-established leaders,” the statement read.
They accused those supporting Olaitan’s leadership of being political opportunists and warned against using Afenifere’s name to advance personal ambitions.
“Afenifere has always been a movement dedicated to the welfare of the Yoruba people within Nigeria, advocating for justice, equity, and good governance. The notion that a faction could claim to represent Afenifere while acting against its founding principles is absurd,” they added.
The groups further urged Oba Olaitan to refrain from assuming the leadership position, stating that traditional rulers should serve as symbols of unity rather than sources of division. They also called for appropriate sanctions against him.
