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A prominent wing of the influential pan-Yoruba socio-political body, Afenifere, once steered by the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has formally designated Oba Oladipo Olaitan—previously the faction’s deputy leader—as its new head, signaling a pivotal shift in its leadership structure.
The appointment was finalized mere days after the passing of Adebanjo, a towering figure in Yoruba politics, who departed this life at the venerable age of 97, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the group’s trajectory.
This development emerged from a detailed communiqué released following a gathering of the faction’s key members, convened on Tuesday at Adebanjo’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State—a location steeped in the late leader’s historical influence.
The communiqué, rich with the group’s deliberations, was disseminated to the public by Chief Sola Ebiseni, Afenifere’s Secretary General, who relayed the update from Akure, Ondo State, underscoring the organization’s commitment to transparency and continuity.
According to the communique, Olaitan would function as the leader in an acting capacity and after the final burial of Adebanjo, he would assume the office as substantive leader.
Read also: Ohanaeze Pays Tribute To Adebanjo: A Legend To Afenifere
The communique read, “Meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new leader of Afenifere. He has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years serving in various capacities including the National Financial Secretary under the leadership of Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
“Oba Olaitan will function as the leader in acting capacity till after the final burial of Papa Ayo Adebanjo when he will assume the office as substantive leader.”
In the communique, the group decried the state of security in the country, urging state governments and the security agencies to be more proactive on the matter.
“Afenifere decried the worsening security situation in the country. Members received reports of a young man, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, the videos of whose ordeal, in the den of kidnappers have been on social media for almost a week.
“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,” it added.
