- Afenifere appoints Oba Oladipo Olaitan as acting leader.
- He will formally take over after Pa Adebanjo’s burial.
- The group condemns rising insecurity, calls for urgent action.
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has appointed Oba Oladipo Olaitan as its acting leader following the death of Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after the group’s monthly general meeting held at Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, the hometown of the late leader. The meeting was attended by delegates from the six South-West states, as well as representatives from Kogi, Kwara, and the Itsekiri community in Delta State.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- 45% of Nigerian Girls Become Mothers Before 18 — World Bank
- ECOWAS Faces Historic Defection as Three West African Nations Withdraw
- Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House Next Week
EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to the communiqué, signed by Afenifere’s Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Oba Olaitan will serve in an acting capacity until Pa Adebanjo’s final burial. After the burial, he is expected to formally assume full leadership of the group.
“The meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new leader of Afenifere,” the statement read.
The new acting leader of Afenifere has an extensive background in law and politics.
- He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971.
- Served as Political Adviser to former Lagos Governor Lateef Jakande and was a member of the Lagos State Executive Council (1979-1983).
- Represented his constituency in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, where he was the Leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
- Has been an active member of Afenifere for over 45 years, holding positions such as National Financial Secretary under Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaitan reaffirmed his commitment to Afenifere’s vision, particularly its advocacy for restructuring and true federalism.
“I am committed to the ideals of Afenifere as a socio-political organization and an unrelenting advocate of restructuring and true federalism. I will work to ensure the unity of the organization,” he said.
At the meeting, Afenifere also raised concerns about the worsening security situation in the country, calling for urgent government intervention.
They particularly expressed alarm over the recent kidnapping of Prince Eniola Ojajuni, whose ordeal has gained widespread attention on social media.
“The meeting called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi States, around which common boundaries the kidnapping was reported to have taken place, and the relevant security agencies to act without further delay and ensure the rescue and safety of the young man,” the statement read.
Afenifere paid glowing tributes to its late leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a nation-builder whose influence extended beyond Nigeria.
“We commiserate with his children and immediate family and applaud them for their tireless engagement with the large number of sympathizers who visit the Lekki, Lagos, and Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State residences to pay their respects,” the communiqué stated.
Among the notable figures present at the meeting were:
- Senator Femi Okunrounmu
- Senator Gbenga Kaka
- Former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Pekun Awobona
- Tola Mobolurin
- Tokunbo Ajasin
- Bayo Adenekan
- Leke Mabinuori
- Olayemi Olajuyinu
- Olu Pessu
- Olusegun Olawoyin
FURTHER READING
- Davido Calls Out Osun Commissioner of Police Over Alleged Role in State Crisis
- Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence on Fathering New Child, Plans to Marry Chika Ike as Seventh Wife
- Nigeria Seeks Liberal Visa Support for Business Expansion in Foreign Countries
Watch Our Video Of The Week
