Apex pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has relieved Pa Ayo Adebanjo of his role as the acting leader of the organisation.
The group dislaced Pa Adebanjo, who was on March 17, 2021 appointed acting leader by the leader of the group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
That was at the organisation’s first general meeting in the New Year held at the residence of the Pa Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, yesterday.
Following a motion moved by Dr. S.J Ibikunle from Ogun State on the need to abrogate the dual positions of acting leader and deputy leader, seconded by members from Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo and Ondo states, the members present unanimously supported the motion when thrown to the general house for consideration.
Consequently, with the abrogation of the positions of acting leader and deputy leader, Adebanjo has ceased to be the acting leader of the organisation.
Reading the resolutions of the organisation at the meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, said:
“In the light of recent events and the pressing need to reposition and rejuvenate Afenifere, it has been decided as follows:
“The position of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader have now been abrogated.
“The responsibilities and authority of advising the leader of Afenifere and Asiwaju Yoruba are now vested in the Afenifere Elders’ Caucus, which is hereby constituted.
“Members of the Elders Caucus are as follows: Chief R. F. Fasoranti – Chairman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, HRM Oba Olu Falae CFR GCON, HE Senator C. O. Adebayo, Senator Femi Okunrounmu PhD, CFR, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa OFR, Senator Kofo Bucknor Akerele, ArchBishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, Lt. Gen Alani Ipoola Akinrinade (retd) CFR, Maj-Gen. Olu Bajowa (retd.) CFR, Prof Bolaji Akinwande Akinyemi, CFR, Prof. Banji Akintoye, Otunba Dr S A J Ibikunle, Chief Femi Aluko, Prince Alonge, Dr Yomi Finnih, Prince Olusi, Hon. Korede Duyile, Prof. Ropo Sekoni, Hon. Lekan Alabi, and Dr Kunle Olajide.”
Afterwards, further deliberations commenced, and at the instance of the leader, Oba Olu Falae, presided over the meeting.
The organisation condoled the people of Ondo State over the demise of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, while it also congratulated the people on the inauguration of Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as new governor of the state.
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President Bola Tinubu was commended on his role in resolving the earlier political impasse following the call by Ondo State Elders, under the auspices of Pa Fasoranti to do so.
The organisation also expressed shock over the blast that occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday and condoled with the government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incident.
They also commiserated with the people of Plateau State over the attack on their communities by terrorists.
On the state of the nation, Afenifere called for “urgent need to rework the security architecture of the country to ensure that Nigerians are able to live and move about without the fear of being kidnapped or harassed in any way.’’
It added, “Such reworking should include giving states and local government councils that so desire to establish own police services with all the requisite powers to function as such.
‘’Doing so would check, if not totally stop, the incidences of kidnapping and sundry banditry now ravaging the land.”
Afenifere stated further that “The unfortunate blast in Ibadan clearly underscores the need to allow the federating units in the country to control mineral resources in their respective areas with reference to mining and exploration.
“The reasoning behind this was that had it been that states were in control of mining for instance, Oyo State government was likely to know how explosives were being moved around. Such would have made last week’s horrendous blast that claimed many lives, traumatized hundreds of people and destroyed properties running into Billions of Naira would have been prevented.”
Speaking on the current economic situation, Afenifere said: “In view of the current high cost of living, Afenifere urged the Federal Government, through its various organs in charge of finance and fiscal policies, to accelerate actions that will strengthen the value of our currency, enhance productivity, reduce costs of items and services all geared towards reducing inflation and enhancing the welfare of the people.”
The leader, therefore, encouraged Afenifere members to be more committed to the noble ideals the organisation stands for, and display ‘Omoluabi’ ethos as they project Afenifere further in their respective states.
He prayed for the success of government at all levels so that the people can enjoy a better lease of life.
