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From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The United Kingdom and United States of America chapters of the pan Yoruba sociocultural organization, Afenifere have kicked against the choice of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the leader of the group, saying there’s no vacuum in the organization to warrant the emergence of a new leader.
The two chapters in a statement signed by Dr Durojaiye Akindutire, the Chairman, Afenifere USA
and Engr Babatunde Shianaba who is the Chairman, Afenifere UK, which was made available to our correspondent on Friday categorically refute the assertion that Oba Oladipo Olaitan has emerged as the leader of any faction within Afenifere.
They said “this misleading claim is not only fallacious but also a grave affront to the esteemed institution of Afenifere, which has stood as a beacon of Yoruba socio-political advancement for decades.”
“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.
“It is wholly against Yoruba culture and values for younger individuals to belittle elders or seek to usurp the authority of well-established leaders.
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“Those parading themselves as representatives of a so-called faction of Afenifere are nothing more than political opportunists and self-serving power traders. If they wish to establish a separate entity, they are at liberty to do so, but they must desist from exploiting Afenifere’s revered name to further their 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 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 manoeuvring. As the Yoruba adage wisely states.
“Furthermore, we call on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to caution Oba Oladipo Olaitan against meddling in Afenifere’s affairs in a manner that is both divisive and destructive. 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 allow himself to be manipulated as a pawn in efforts to destabilize an organisation that has tirelessly championed the cause of Yoruba progress.
“To be unequivocal, Afenifere has no faction. It remains resolutely under the undisputed leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti. Any attempt to sow confusion or distort the truth will ultimately fail, for history and justice shall always prevail, they added.
