Afenifere Appoints Oba Oladipo Olaitan as New Leader, Pledges Commitment to Restructuring and Unity
Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State – The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has announced the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as its new leader. The decision was made during the group’s monthly general meeting held at Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State, the country home of its late leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. The meeting, attended by delegates from the six South-West states, Kogi, Kwara, and the Itsekiri community of Delta State, marked a significant transition for the organization.
According to a communique issued after the meeting and signed by Afenifere’s Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Oba Olaitan will serve as the acting leader until the final burial of Pa Adebanjo, after which he will assume the role substantively.
A Seasoned Leader with a Rich Legacy
Oba Oladipo Olaitan brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Called to the Nigerian Bar as a lawyer in 1971, he served as a Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande and was a member of the Lagos State Executive Council from 1979 to 1983. He was also elected to the House of Representatives and served as the Leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the House from 1999 to 2003. With over 45 years of membership in Afenifere, Oba Olaitan has held various leadership positions, including National Financial Secretary under Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaitan reaffirmed his commitment to Afenifere’s core ideals, including the advocacy for restructuring and true federalism. He pledged to prioritize the unity of the organization and work towards achieving its goals. “I am committed to the ideals of Afenifere as a socio-political organization and an unrelenting advocate of restructuring and true federalism. I will ensure the unity of the organization and work tirelessly to advance our cause,” he said.
Addressing National Security Concerns
The meeting also addressed the worsening security situation in the country, particularly the kidnapping of Prince Eniola Ojajuni, whose ordeal in the hands of kidnappers has been widely circulated on social media. Afenifere called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi States, as well as relevant security agencies, to act swiftly to ensure the rescue and safety of the young man. “The meeting called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi States and the relevant security agencies to act without further delay and ensure the rescue and safety of the young man,” the communique stated.
Tributes to Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Afenifere paid glowing tributes to its late leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, acknowledging his immense contributions to nation-building and the struggle for a just and equitable Nigeria. The group commended Adebanjo’s family for their courteous engagement with the numerous visitors who have thronged their residences in Lekki, Lagos, and Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State, to pay their respects.
Prominent Attendees at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by several prominent figures, including Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Senator Gbenga Kaka, former Deputy Governor of Ogun State Pekun Awobona, Chief Tola Mobolurin, Tokunbo Ajasin, Engr. Bayo Adenekan, Hon. Leke Mabinuori, Olayemi Olajuyinu, Olu Pessu, and Chief Olusegun Olawoyin.
A New Chapter for Afenifere
The appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan marks a new chapter for Afenifere as it continues to advocate for the interests of the Yoruba people and the broader Nigerian society. With a renewed focus on unity, restructuring, and true federalism, the organization remains a key player in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. As Oba Olaitan assumes leadership, Afenifere is poised to build on the legacy of its late leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and advance its mission of promoting justice, equity, and development for all Nigerians.
