New Afenifere Leader Will Emerge Through Established Traditions – Olaitan

‎A factional leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has warned against personal ambition in the organisation’s leadership succession, insisting that its established traditions must guide the emergence of leaders.

‎Olaitan spoke on Sunday during a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.

‎He described the organisation’s succession process as “apostolic succession,” arguing that leadership positions should not be pursued through campaigns but should emerge naturally in line with established traditions.

‎“You don’t vie for it. You don’t campaign for it. It’s an apostolic selection. If you are the deputy, naturally, if the leader goes, you go,” he said.

‎The Afenifere chieftain expressed confidence that the organisation would overcome its leadership challenges, despite the possibility of internal disagreements and attempts by some members to undermine its established structure.

‎Olaitan, who said he had been a member of Afenifere for about 47 years, maintained that the organisation’s institutional history and traditions would help it navigate the current challenges.

‎He served as the organisation’s national financial secretary under Fasoranti and deputy leader under the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, whose death on February 14, 2025, preceded his emergence as leader of a faction of Afenifere.

‎He said his longstanding relationships with the organisation’s past leaders had given him an intimate understanding of its history and values.

‎“Nobody will tell me the story of this organisation. I had a personal relationship with Baba Awolowo, Baba Ajasin, Adesanya and Baba Ayo Adebanjo. So, I’m not a new person,” he said.‎

‎Olaitan, however, acknowledged the possibility of turbulence within the Yoruba socio-political establishment, warning that greed and the pursuit of personal interests could threaten unity.

‎He insisted that the Yoruba people understood the distinction between genuine leadership and self-proclaimed authority, adding that popular recognition remained a defining feature of legitimate leadership.

‎The Afenifere leader also expressed concern that the exploitation of poverty was influencing people’s decisions, but maintained that the development would not permanently erode the values and identity of the Yoruba people.

‎Paying tribute to Fasoranti, Olaitan described the late elder statesman as a rare leader whose integrity, humility, discipline and commitment to service distinguished him.

‎He said Fasoranti commanded respect through his character and example rather than intimidation, noting that his conduct reflected the values he expected others to uphold.

‎Olaitan described Fasoranti as fair, forthright and disciplined, adding that the late leader did not need to raise his voice to command obedience.

‎“He was coolness, he was fairness, he was forthrightness, he was pure. He was a strict disciplinarian, but a disciplinarian who did not have to shout to give orders. He did that by example, by what he did,” he said.

‎Recounting their personal relationship, Olaitan said Fasoranti consistently demonstrated concern for his welfare, recalling how the elder statesman would telephone him after meetings to confirm that he had arrived home safely in Ilesha.‎

‎He said Fasoranti would often ask why he was leaving late before subsequently calling to ensure he had arrived safely.

‎Olaitan also recalled Fasoranti’s composure following the death of his daughter, saying he and other associates had been apprehensive about approaching him to offer condolences but were surprised by his calm disposition.