Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere on Wednesday scrapped its Acting Leader, Deputy Leader positions.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo held the Acting Leader position.
It was learned that Adebanjo was dismissed as Afenifere leader at the monthly meeting of the group held at the residence of its leader, Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
According to a communique issued by Comrade Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere Worldwide, a new elders council of 21 members has been formed, with Reuben Fasoranti serving as chairman.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives from various state chapters of Afenifere, according to the communique.
The communique said: “A motion on the need to abrogate the dual positions of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader was moved by Dr. S. J. Ibikunle from Ogun State. It was seconded by Members from Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo and Ondo States. When the matter was thrown to the general house, the motion was unanimously carried.
“Flowing from this, the Leader then declared as follows:
“In the light of recent events and the pressing need to reposition and rejuvenate Afenifere, it has been decided as follow: The position of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader have now been abrogated; The responsibilities and authority of advising the Leader Afenifere and Asiwaju Yoruba are now vested in the Afenifere Elders Caucus which is hereby constituted.”
Members of the Elders Caucus are 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; Arch Bishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu; Lt. Gen Alani Ipoola Akinrinade rtd CFR; Maj Gen. Olu Bajowa rtd 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.
The group also resolved that the Nigerian security architecture “needs to be reworked to ensure citizens can live without fear of kidnapping or harassment, including allowing states and local government councils to establish police services, which could help combat kidnapping and banditry”.
The communique said, “The recent blast in Ibadan highlights the need for federating units to control mineral resources, particularly mining and exploration, to prevent similar incidents.”
Afenifere emphasised the urgency for restructuring Nigeria and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate the process.
The union also discussed the establishment of a Nomad Vigilante militia by Miyetti Allah Hore, which Afenifere deemed inappropriate. The organisation hoped that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would improve Nigeria’s life by strengthening the Naira, reducing energy costs, and ensuring regular electricity supply.
The communique 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 meeting renewed its call on governments in Yoruba speaking states to further encourage the teaching and usage of Yoruba language in schools. This can be done by making the language the medium for teaching at elementary and lower level of secondary education as well as making it compulsory for students at school certificate examination level. It also urged parents and guardians to teach their children the language as well as encourage its usage as much as possible both in verbal and literary communications.
“At the end of the meeting, The Leader encouraged Afenifere members to be more committed to the noble ideals that the organization 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.”
The leadership tussle in the group reached its peak during the electioneering period following the visit of the then-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, to Fasoranti in Akure.
During the visit, which was turned into a mini-political rally by Tinubu’s entourage and the Afenifere chiefs who received him, the former governor of Lagos State, was endorsed by the some leaders of the group.
Fasoranti and other leaders of the group also prayed for his success in the 2023 election.
Meanwhile, Adebanjo and a section of the group had endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi in September, hinging their support on the need for the Southeast geopolitical zone to produce its first president after other zones had had their turn.