The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, maintained on Wednesday that Pa Reuben Fasoranti is the group’s only national leader.
This was disclosed by the Organising Secretary of the group, Kole Omololu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure, Ondo State,
The group was reacting to the recent appointment of a lawyer and human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, as the National Organising Secretary of the Pa Ayo Adebanjo-led faction of the group.
Farotimi’s appointment was announced in a communique on Tuesday, after the faction’s general meeting at the residence of its leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.
In the Wednesday statement, Omololu said he acknowledged the appointment of Farotimi by the other faction, but reiterated that Fasoranti remained the only authentic leader of the socio-political association.
He said, “I acknowledge the appointment of Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of the faction led by Pa Adebanjo.
“However, it is important to clarify that there is only one authentic Afenifere, which remains under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
“This body continues to uphold the core values and principles that have guided us since the formation of Afenifere, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the welfare and progress of the Yoruba people and the entire nation.
“While we respect the democratic rights of individuals to organise and associate, the leadership of Pa Fasoranti is the only legitimate and recognised Afenifere.”
The group said the public needed to be aware of the distinction between the authentic Afenifere and any other groups that may claim the name for political purposes.
The group appointed Pa Adebanjo as acting leader in 2022 due to Pa Fasoranti’s advanced age but removed him in January 2024 following the abolition of the office of the acting leader, which Pa Adebanjo had occupied.
Since then, Afenifere has been divided, with one faction led by Fasoranti and the other by Adebanjo.
Omololu, however, said the focus of the authentic group was to ensure justice and the advancement of democratic values.
“As we continue our work, our focus remains on unity, justice, and the advancement of democratic values.
“We are committed to collaborating with all those who share these principles, irrespective of factional differences.
“The future of our region and our country depends on our ability to remain united and focused on the issues that matter most to our people,” the statement read.
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