The crisis rocking the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere over its leadership tussle took a twist on Wednesday as the faction loyal to Pa Reuben Fasonranti dissociated itself from the appointment of Dele Farotimi, as the Organizing Secretary of the mainstream Yoruba group.
The organisation insisted that its leadership structure remained unchanged, noting that “there is only one authentic Afenifere, which remains under the leadership of Pa. Reuben Fashoranti.”
They added that any appointments outside the structure loyal to Fasonranti are null and void.
A faction loyal to Chief Ayo Adebanjo on Tuesday appointed Farotimi as the organising secretary at a meeting held in Ijebu-Igbo Ogun State despite the 15-year-old appointment of Otunba Kole Omololu to a similar position by the Fasoranti-led faction of the group.
However, the group, led by Fasonranti, said, “While we respect the democratic rights of individuals to organise and associate, the leadership of Pa Fashoranti is the only legitimate and recognised Afenifere.”
The group, in a statement issued and made available to LEADERSHIP in Akure, the Ondo State capital, by the National Organising Secretary of Fasonranti-led group Abagun Kọle Ọmọlolu, hinted that “the public must be aware of the distinction between the authentic Afenifere and any other groups that may claim the name for political purposes.”
Omololu said, “I acknowledge the appointment of Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of the faction led by Pa. Adebanjo. However, it is essential to clarify that there is only one authentic Afenifere, which remains under the leadership of Pa. Reuben Fashoranti.
“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 individuals’ democratic rights to organise and associate, Pa Fashoranti’s leadership is the only legitimate and recognised Afenifere.
“It is imperative that the public is aware of the distinction between the authentic Afenifere and any other groups that may claim the name for political purposes. As we continue our work, we focus on unity, justice, and advancing democratic values.
“We are committed to collaborating with all those who share these principles, irrespective of factional differences. The future of our region and country depends on our ability to remain united and focused on the issues that matter most to our people.”
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