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Tag: Afenifere

  • Afenifere and the kiss of death

    Afenifere and the kiss of death

    For the umpteenth time, Ripples is constrained to cite the tortoise in the Yoruba tale.  Asked when he would return from his trip, while bidding his folks farewell, he promised to return, only when he was disgraced!

    Indeed, ace playwright, the late Ola Rotimi, was so fascinated by this tortoise quip that he used it to anchor the tragedy of Kurunmi, the ill-fated Aare Ona Kakanfo and Ijaye warlord, in his tragic play, Kurunmi.

    Kurunmi, generalissimo of the Oyo imperial army, bated himself to self-ruin by his classic confrontation with Ibadan, the Oyo imperial garrison, under the command of Basorun Ogunmola, in those 19th century years of blood, gore and plunder, in the pre-colonial Yoruba country.

    Good old hubris, couched in Yoruba native-speak, assailed the tortoise. That explains his irrational answer.  The same hubris goaded Kurunmi’s tragic unhorsing; just as it is behind the unfolding but spectacular unravelling of the Afenifere gerontocracy, in contemporary Yoruba political country.

    Pa Olu Falae’s popular censure, following the old man’s N100 million “obtainment” from Dasukigate, would appear a gripping sub-plot of that high drama.

    Indeed, Chief Falae’s unfolding odyssey would appear the stuff of which Grecian tragedies are made.

    Like Kehinde (last to come) in the Yoruba concept of twins, that nevertheless claims seniority over Taye (precursor), Chief Falae zoomed past about everyone to eminence.  His Taye (to revisit that Yoruba twin metaphor), included battle-hardened veterans of the Awolowo political combat of the 1st Republic, that claim a near-divine right to the Awo political franchise.

    Though a latter-day Afenifere joiner, his delicate positioning between Awoist high orthodoxy that balks at injustice from any quarters, and the Babangida-era new breed progressives that accused Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and co of perfidy, at throwing MKO Abiola’s June 12, 1993 presidential mandate, splendidly paved Falae’s way.

    The Awoist old guard was uneasy with MKO, given Abiola’s past brush with Awo.  Yet, they couldn’t, by their ideological DNA, be indifferent to the annulment.  That a Yoruba man was victim was grand bonus.

    On the other hand, though MKO was not ungrateful for Afenifere’s rally, he appeared more at ease with the younger elements, not the old fundamentalists.  Falae, again appeared the merry median between the two.

    At things would pan out, Chief Falae had the historical distinction of announcing the birth of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the final vehicle to battle Gen. Sani Abacha to the virtual death.  He also — need we recall? — beat the great Chief Bola Ige to the Alliance for Democracy (AD) presidential ticket in 1999.

    How Falae blazed the historic NADECO trail is rendered in Clapping With One Hand by a participant-observer, Olawale Oshun, in the first of his trilogy on the June 12 saga.  The other two books are The Open Grave and The Kiss of Death.

    But as Falae bolted to the top before everyone, he appears fated, by Dasukigate, to career down the abyss, also before anyone!

    There is a story making the rounds — that Falae was booed in church, while telling his own side of Dasukigate.  At best, the story might be true.  At worst, it is only apocryphal.

    But true or false, its believability only underscores the Yoruba obduracy against fallen heroes, particularly when accused of venality and abject lack of character.  The Akure high chief now treads that perilous path.

    But even as Falae’s odyssey unfolds (at least in the angry Yoruba streets), he may yet remain a hero to the Afenifere gerontocracy.  What if the N100 million Chief Falae collected was less for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), of which he is national chairman, but more for Afenifere, in which he is regional champion?

    This puzzle is not illegitimate because of the dissonance coming from within SDP.  A national source claimed the chief rendered only N5 million; and even then, did not disclose the source of the “donation”.  The Ogun SDP was even shriller in disowning Falae, claiming the state branch of the party never got a dime.

    So, where did the money go?  Or is Papa stoically not ratting on others?

    The angst in the South West is as much shock at the Dasukigate chink in Falae’s hitherto formidable integrity armour, as it is linking Afenifere (Afenifere of Awo, the immaculate avatar), to free-wheeling sleaze in contemporary Nigeria.

    Indeed, Afenifere of late had developed the disturbing conceit of the tortoise that courted nothing but disgrace.  The body’s 2015 pre-election and electioneering manoeuvres were disgraceful — and wilfully self-destructive.

    Awo never swam against the wish of his supporters.  Indeed, his political canonisation stemmed from Awo, the ultimate policy wonk; as much as from Awo, the symbiotic politician: he led, but was also led, by his people.

    But in their self-imposed season of anomie, Afenifere committed the ultimate ideological apostasy, by their own Awoist doctrine: pushed the wrong cause, backed the wrong horse, kept the wrong company, and coalesced behind the wrong person, as arrowhead to Aso Rock, in Ondo Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, ruthless political hustler and survivalist, who just defected to the wide-and-merry Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from the supposedly straight-and-narrow Labour Party (LP).

    But whoever traded with Mimiko and made a profit: the late Adebayo Adefarati, the late Olusegun Agagu, Ali Olanusi or even Bola Tinubu?

    Ah, Asiwaju Tinubu!  That must be the original trigger: for if Tinubu moved right, the Afenifere grandees must move left, if he moved up, Afenifere must move down, even if it were the most asinine thing to do!

    But why would a conclave of wise elders and seasoned political generalissimos bait themselves into sure misfortune, just because of the fortune of one man?

    Spite.  Concentrated spite often brews concentrated flaws, which could well deliver concentrated catastrophe!

    That applies to Chief Falae, as it applies to the Afenifere conclave.

    Incidentally, the full title of the last, of Hon. Oshun’s trilogy on June 12 is: The Kiss of Death: Afenifere and the Infidels.  Some  grim prophecy there, it would appear!

    So, have the old fundamentalists of Awoism turned infidels to their own cause, and therefore earned the kiss of ideological death?

    Just a thought.

  • Ooni, Afenifere Renewal Group call for Yoruba unity

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) have called for unity among the Yoruba.

    The frontline monarch spoke at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, when he hosted During ARG members.

    Oba Ogunwusi said peace was an essential nutrient that would help Nigeria and the Yoruba race to grow.

    The monarch noted that one of the major things he set to achieve during his reign is unity among the Yoruba, adding that peace would be achieved when Yoruba leaders work together.

    He said: “I have been praying to God for unity among the Yoruba race and in the land because our unity is germane to the progress of the world. The Yoruba are gifted and will always make impact anywhere they go. Now, there is a challenge about who will make sacrifices by leading others to resolve crisis among the Yoruba, mostly as a result of our bravery.

    “Love and unity among the Yoruba will bring about many positive things. It is time for unity to return to Nigeria and we must all return to the source to achieve it. If we forget our source, we may go astray. To bring love, I have decided to work with leaders in Yoruba land.

    “Growth is not difficult in Yoruba land; unity is the challenge. With my emergence, unity is returning to Ife and it is gradually spreading to other places across Yoruba land.”

    The head of ARG delegation Olawale Oshun said the focus of the meeting was to look into how unity could return to Yoruba land and the development the race should witness during Oba Ogunwusi’s tenure.

    Oshun urged traditional rulers to work for peace among the Yoruba in the country and in the Diaspora.

    He said: “It is important that across the Yoruba-speaking area there should be unity. When there is unity, there will be peace and when there is peace, you can facilitate development.

    “We are interested in the development of our people. We want to stop managing rancour; we want to manage development and growth. We want peace – and not rancour – to enhance positive things.”

     

  • ‘Afenifere not finished’

    ‘Afenifere not finished’

    The Secretary of the pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, has explained how Yoruba leaders settled the crisis, which nearly “destroyed” Afenifere.

    Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti resigned on the grounds that members deviated from the goals of the founding fathers.

    Arogobofa, who spoke with reporters at Oka-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, boasted that nothing would stop Afenifere from being a vocal group in the country.

    The elder statesman said: “Members are waxing stronger. We are not finished and we cannot be finished.

    “Afenifere is a special group and members are disciplined, focused, stubborn and resilient. When you have people like that, they can’t but quarrel.

    “They can not all see things the same way but when there is disagreement, we have a way of resolving our problems.”

     

  • Afenifere, YCE, others eulogise HID in Ikenne

    Afenifere, YCE, others eulogise HID in Ikenne

    It was commendation galore for the late Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo yesterday at the family’s residence in Ikenne, Ogun State, where dignitaries from across the Southwest converged.

    The Efunyela Hall located within the sprawling compound was filled to capacity.

    Members of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) and Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) were in attendance.

    In its tribute read by Senator Femi Okunrounmu, the YUF noted that by her life, Mrs Awolowo had demonstrated the qualities of a truly virtuous wife and a dutiful mother.

    The Forum likened her to Queen Isabella I of Castile who, with her husband, Ferdinand II of Aragon, unified the hitherto separate territories of Castile and Aragon and through their joint efforts, brought a lot of improvements to what is now modern Spain.

    It recalled that “throughout Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s political life, Mama H.I.D remained a constant source of support, bonded to him spiritually and ideologically, an ever ready and committed partner in the protection and defence of Yoruba unity.

    “Her most recent effort, in her final years to prevent the collapse of Yoruba unity, was her intervention to bridge the schism that had been created in Afenifere.

    “When all internal efforts as well as efforts  had failed to resolve the conflict, Mama  became the last resort to whom the Afenifere leadership turned.

    “Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, the conflict proved irresolvable.

    “She responded favourably to suggestions that a non-partisan, all embracing forum be created for all Yoruba. This idea gave birth to the Yoruba Unity Forum, of which she was the chairman until her death.”

    Afenifere scribe Chief Sehinde Arogbofa said there was no way Awolowo’s story will be complete without  his wife.

    Arogbofa said Mrs. Awolowo deserves commendation for holding the forte when her husband travelled abroad for further studies.

    “Her transition has closed an era that spanned through many decades,” he added.

    The YCE, in its tribute by Mrs Bola Doherty, stated: “YCE is here today not to mourn but to celebrate the distinguished and worthy lifeof our very dear Life Grand Matron, a position unanimously conferred on her on Octobr 21, 2000.

    It lauded HID’s courage for attending the occasion despite threats to her life.

    “YCE will never forget the boldness, fearlessness and love of the progress of Yoruba nation, which Mama HID demonstrated on that day.

    “Another demonstration of valour in this woman of indestructible spirit was the way she supported her husband during the UPN presidential campaign in 1978-1979.”

    The patron of the Oodua Foundation in the United States, Prof Banji Akintoye, said the late Mrs Awolowo was elevated to higher responsibilities right from her youth, noting that she became the First Lady of the old Western Region in her 30s.

    Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) band serenaded the guests.

    NYSC Director Mr J.A. Afolayan said corps members will miss her moral support.

    Dignitaries at the occasion include Chief Olaniwun Ajayi; Bishop Bolaji Gbonigi; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Chief Cornelius Adebayo; Chief Supo Sonibare, Chief Jimi Agbaje; Senator Tony Adefuye; Admiral Akin Aduwo (rtd); Senator Femi Ojudu and Chief Idowu Sofola.

    Others are Prince Dayo Adeyeye; Mr Niyi Owolade; Alhaji Onasoga; Chief F.A. Taiwo; Princess Bisi Sangodoyin; Hon Moshood Salvador; Chief Ebenezer Babatope; Mr Remi Olayiwola; Chief Tunde Akintayo; Chief Ajayi Adekunle; Mr Korede Duyile and Chief Segun Oladipo.

     

     

  • Afenifere and Fasoranti’s flip-flop

    Afenifere and Fasoranti’s flip-flop

    IT is perhaps a testament to their staying power that any news affecting a faction of the Yoruba socio-political and cultural organisation, Afenifere, receives wide publicity. The octogenarian leader of the group, Reuben Fasoranti, had last Sunday resigned his position, citing disunity as the main reason for his resignation. On Wednesday, the group’s other leaders managed to prevail on him to rescind his resignation. To the relief of the Afenifere leaders, who would have had a tough job picking a new leader, Pa Fasoranti relented and resumed his leadership. He however did not elaborate on what he meant by disunity in the group: whether it pertained to the ranks or to the leadership, or whether it even concerned the group’s protean ideology.

    Afenifere resumed its vigour in the Sani Abacha years as a socio-cultural and political organisation. During the Abdulsalami Abubakar transition and after, it gradually morphed into a political organisation, but embraced cultural symbols for mobilisation purposes only. After series of electoral missteps and withering disagreements, Afenifere became balkanised into the rump Afenifere and Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), with the former denuded into mainly a group of leaders and scant followers. If Pa Fasoranti speaks of disunity, except he explains himself, it will be difficult to wonder what other disunity exists or is more potent than the Bola Ige and Olu Falae rivalry that splintered the group in 1999.

    As small as Pa Fasoranti’s Afenifere is, his allegation of disunity should not be dismissed with a wave of the hand. Perhaps he is trying to tell the Yoruba and the Southwest something disturbing, something profound. Yinka Odumakin, the group’s publicity secretary glosses over Pa Fasoranti’s accusation, suggesting in his inimitable way that there was no cause for alarm. Sadly, however, it does seem for now that Afenifere cannot be salvaged. The root of disunity runs deep, and there is too much insincerity, self-interest (as was evident when ex-president Goodluck Jonathan courted the Yoruba for re-election), and unadulterated ill will to return the group to its former glory under Obafemi Awolowo.

  • Afenifere sets up reforms committee

    Afenifere sets up reforms committee

    The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has set up a committee on its proposed reorganisation.

    According to a chieftain, who pleaded for anonymity, the committee set up by the leader, Pa Rueben Fasoranti, will suggest reforms, a written constitution, the appointment of a deputy leader and  membership drive.

    “The group will now have formalised leadership cadre and written rules for its operations. That does not mean that the conventions that have been guiding the organisation will be discarded,” he said.

    At its meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the group discussed indiscipline and disloyalty.

    Members pledged their loyalty to Pa Fasoranti and resolved to return to the path of its founding fathers.

    The move to reorganise the group trailed a similar effort by Fasoranti’s predecessor, the late Senator Abraham Adesanya, who set up the Akande Reforms Committee.

    But, the committee headed by  former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande did not see the light of day.

    A source said: “We saw reasons with Pa Fasoranti and we deliberated on his complaints.

    “He wants every member to show commitment and pursue the goals that warranted the setting up of the Action Group (AG), which is Afenifere.

    “He wants members to pursue the ideals of the founding fathers.

    “Afenifere has set up a committee on reorganisation. The committee will make suggestions on reforms.”

    On membership drive, the source said: “We are making efforts to persuade inactive members and leaders to return to the fold.

    “A former Ogun State governor, who was part of the Fasanmi group, has now returned to Afenifere.

    “Although he did not attend the Akure meeting, he sent his apologies.”

     

  • Afenifere, the end?

    Afenifere, the end?

    •The foremost Yoruba socio-cultural organisation courts self-destruction for straying from own path

    The news came like a shattering bomb: Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere Leader, announcing his resignation for alleged undermining of his authority.

    That, in itself, was novelty.  Never in the chequered and rich political history of Afenifere, socio-cultural soul of the Yoruba and proud holder of its political franchise, had its leader resigned.  Its leadership is like royalty: and among the Yoruba, while a king still lives, another one dares not mount the throne.

    The late Senator Abraham Adesanya succeeded Pa Adekunle Ajasin, former Ondo governor, who with distinction, led Afenifere during the tempestuous battle to revalidate the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential mandate that the late MKO Abiola won.  Even when Senator Adesanya himself became infirm, the organisation, following his own hallowed convention, still could not appoint a replacement, but only a regent, so to speak.

    That regency, not by any means unanimous, threw up Pa Fasoranti; since another faction thrust forward Pa Ayo Fasanmi.  That was when the rot set in; and even the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), an offshoot, has said it pulled out of the main body because even a peace parley, at Ibadan, Oyo State, could not settle the differences.

    But if the novelty of Pa Fasoranti’s resignation is bad enough by Afenifere’s convention, the ill-advised argument by  one of the organisation’s top members that the old man resigned because of old age, since neither Pa Ajasin nor Pa Adesanya ever lived up to 89, was an epitome of ringing bad faith.  Might gerontocrats, within Afenifere, be mocking old age, just because of fleeting disputes?  That really is a big disappointment; for it jars against Yoruba culture, which Afenifere crows is its forte.

    However, all these manifestations of rot are clear symptoms that over the years, the once formidable and highly revered Afenifere had mercilessly chiselled at its own essence, so much so that not a few can now see through the rather hollow inside.

    Since its glorious birth in 1951, as the local Yoruba moniker for the Awolowo Action Group,  Afenifere through thick and thin, had earned the trust of its people.  So, when the June 12 crisis came, it was a natural vehicle; for all its existence, it had benchmarked itself as an unfazed champion of justice, fairness and equity, even outside the Yoruba territory, in a federal Nigeria.

    The political Yoruba had been more fractious than unanimous.  But the Awolowo progressive mainstream had, over the years, earned the faith of the majority.  That could be well because it discharged itself so well that the people trusted it.  But it was more because Afenifere made the people’s pulse its leash, so much so that it was led by it.

    But by the 2015 general election, Afenifere had permitted itself the fatal hubris it could impose its will on the people; and enter into alliances on a non-existent mandate it gifted itself.

    That explained its rather reckless support for the  Goodluck Jonathan presidency, despite ample signs that that administration would face electoral doom.  It not only forged such toady alliances that reeked of thick impropriety, it was arrogant and loud about it.  It therefore earned the scorn of not a few neutral people, that nevertheless wanted to throw off the Jonathan yoke.  This putative but dramatic unravelling is a logical consequence.

    The ARG has virtually thrown Afenifere to the dogs, and claimed it still harboured that pristine Awo-driven ideology that, over the years, made Afenifere the Yoruba political lord of the manor.  It could well be.

    But the Afenifere stumble, if not outright fall, should teach every pressure group it needs an ultra-sharp antenna to promptly pick the people’s bidding.  Much more: it must have the humility to be at absolute service to these yearnings.  If Afenifere goes down, failure to latterly observe that rule would be its gravest hubris.

    From the collective to the personal, however: what would the Afenifere elders tell Awo they made of the heritage handed over to them, the day they meet their maker?  Perhaps that haunting thought may yet force some common sense and save  the doddering old club!

     

  • Afenifere meets on new leader in Akure

    Afenifere meets on new leader in Akure

    •Ajayi, Adebanjo, Falae, Adebayo in race

    •Members seek generational shift

    Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, will hold an emergency meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, today to discuss the resignation of its leader, Pa Rueben Fasoranti, and the appointment of his successor.

    The organisation, which has no written constitution, will rely on convention to select another leader. Sources said the meeting will take place at Fasoranti’s residence at Ijapo Estate. Chieftains are expected from the six Southwest states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo, and Kwara and Kogi states.

    A member from Lagos State said the chieftains would deliberate on the resignation and other important matters. “A new leader may emerge after the meeting,” said the chieftain, who pleaded for anonymity.

    Reporters were not allowed into Fasoranti’s residence yesterday. One of his aides said the octogenarian politician has been indisposed for weeks, adding that he was not willing to speak with anybody.

    According to sources, opinion is still divided on the resignation because of its implications for the group. “We are going to meet in Akure today. People will make suggestions. Some members still want Fasoranti to continue. Although the job is rigorous, but there are people around him who can assist him in the discharge of the duties. But, if a new leader is to be picked eventually, we will discuss it together. That is the situation,” a chieftain told our correspondent on phone.

    A source said those in the race to succeed Fasoranti include 91-year-old Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Cornelius Adebayo and Dr. Amos Akingba. All but Adebayo were delegates to the last National Conference in Abuja.

    However, some members of the group are agitating for generational shift. In their view, a young, energetic leader should succeed Fasoranti while the elders should guide and support him.

    A foremost Awoist, Ajayi is a prominent lawyer and founding member of the defunct Action Group (AG), led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He served as Commissioner for Education in the defunct Western Region.

    In the Second Republic, he was a chieftain of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Following the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, Ajayi fought for the reversal of the annulment along with compatriots in Afenifere and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). In his books, the seasoned author has always defended the interest of Yoruba.

    When Fasoranti’s predecessor, Senator Abraham Adesanya, was indisposed, many chieftains perceived Ajayi as the natural successor. But, younger elements, including Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Prince Dayo Adeyeye and Mr. Yinka Odumakin, advised the ailing leader to appoint Fasoranti as acting leader to erase the insinuation that Yoruba leaders of Ijebu and Remo origin were dominating the affairs of the organisation.

    Adebanjo is a combative political warhorse. Although he is 87, he is energetic, bold, brave and unapologetic. He is a pioneer AG Organising Secretary and close associate of Awolowo. He was with Awo during the treason felony trial, following the allegation that he was among the boys being trained in Ghana to overthrow the Balewa Government. Although the lawyer has not won any elective position throughout his long political career spanning almost six decades, he was perceived as a consistent politician; principled and fearless.

    His support for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition took many by surprise. Many Afenifere chieftains in the Senator Ayo Fasanmi faction have criticised him for making inflammable statements that contributed to the split in the organisation and made reconciliation impossible.

    Falae joined the political family when he entered politics in the aborted Third Republic. A brilliant economist, the Olu of Ilu-Aabo is a one-time Secretary to Federal Military Government and Minister of Finance. His presidential ambition crumbled twice when he sought for the ticket in the proscribed Social Democratic Party (SDP) and when he later ran on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy/All Peoples Party (AD/APP) in 1999. He was a prominent NADECO chieftain; vocal and analytical.

    Adebayo is a former don. He was also a commissioner in the old Kwara State. In 1979, he became a senator on the platform of the UPN. Four years later, he became the governor. In 1999, he declined to join the AD, although he remained a credible member of Afenifere. Adebayo served as minister in Obasanjo administration. When Pa Adesanya took ill, some chieftains wanted him to act for the leader. But, he politely declined for personal reasons. Although the anti-graft body was after him after he left government, many Yoruba perceive him as a man of honour and integrity.

    Fasoranti forwarded his resignation letter to Afenifere secretary Basorun Seinde Arogbofa last weekend, citing old age as reason for stepping aside. However, he took the decision without hinting his closest associates. Thus, the resignation took the group by surprise.

    In the last two years, Afenifere has been passing through storm and stress. Its former secretary, Senator Femi Okunrounmu resigned. A source said the former university don had urged Afenifere to embrace the Unity Forum as the umbrella organisation for Yoruba. But, his suggestion generated controversy in the organisation.

    Some chieftains, the source added, decided to distance themselves from the organisation when it admitted some PPD chieftains and endorsed their political aspirations. A prominent chieftain said the decision to support former President Jonathan was not the collective decision of the group.

     

  • Afenifere: A parting shot

    IT was a resignation letter that revealed more than it stated about the state of Afenifere, usually described as a “pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation.” The group’s octogenarian leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, said: “Considering my age, efforts and selfless dedication to my country, my state (Ondo), my parties, my past leaders and members in Afenifere in Nigeria and the Diaspora, I inform you all that I have decided to step aside as leader of Afenifere.”

    The November 1 letter provided historically, useful information. According to Fasoranti, the organisation “was formed in 1951 under the leadership of our leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo…to serve as an umbrella to be used to actualise the dream of a great nation and the Yoruba.”

    He said: “Over the years, the Yoruba have tried to focus on a common goal.”

    If this goal of focusing “on a common goal” was not achieved under Fasoranti’s leadership, it should be understandable and excusable, the letter suggested.

    Fasoranti said: “Chief Awolowo tried to ensure the oneness of our people with a lot of efforts, notwithstanding the challenges he faced in the process. Unfortunately, he passed on without actualising this dream.”  In other words, if the legendary Awolowo failed, Fasoranti’s failure should be accommodated.

    Fasoranti added: “As events unfolded in the past years, the focus and goals of the founding fathers were gradually eroded. This made it a Herculean task for members to work in unity. Several efforts were made to ensure actualisation of our goals, but it appeared we have not succeeded. This is basically due to reasons best known to members.”

    Then he defended what must rank among the defining features of his time at the helm of the group. He sounded like a man who was trying to make clarifications for historical purposes. Fasoranti said: “Let me state clearly that the issue of adoption of the National Conference report had always been the focus and goal of our people in Afenifere even long before the National Conference was set up. The support of a leader who promised to implement this report was not a mistake and inevitable despite all public insinuations.”

    It was tragic enough that, under Fasoranti, Afenifere unapologetically backed the unprogressive and unpopular Goodluck Jonathan presidency. The tragedy is compounded by Fasoranti’s unapologetic stance, even after Jonathan’s electoral defeat by a progressive wind of change had exposed Afenifere’s political incorrectness.

    Fasoranti’s insistence that Afenifere’s romance with the Jonathan administration was politically correct, and his reason for the romance, reflected the diminution of the group’s political wisdom and its disconnection from the public mind.

  • Disquiet in Afenifere over exit of leader Fasoranti

    Disquiet in Afenifere over exit of leader Fasoranti

    Adebanjo: old age forced him out

    ARG ‘committed to ideology’

    There was disquiet yesterday in pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere following Sunday’s resignation of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

    Its shocked leaders were weighing the options on the way forward for the group, which polarisation a few years ago led to the formation of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG).

    The ARG last night said it was committed to the philosophy of the group as espoused by its founding fathers.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Wale Oshun, ARG said the Afenifere, which Fasoranti led until Sunday, had derailed from the group’s ideology.

    Fasoranti resigned on Sunday, citing “membership disloyalty” and “gradual erosion of the group’s goals.”

    His reasons may not have gone down well with two eminent members of the group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Seinde Arogbofa, who claimed that he resigned because of old age.

    “He (Fasoranti) is old. He is 89. That is why he resigned. Papa (Adekunle) Ajasin and (Abraham) Adesanya did not attain that ripe old age. Pa Fasoranti said the youths don’t listen to elders again and that they behave as they like. When Ajasin was weak, he asked Adesanya to act. When Adesanya took ill, we appointed him (Fasoranti) as leader. There is nothing unusual about his resignation. We have no crisis. The man has been sick of late. He just left the hospital a few days ago. The job is rigorous. We hold a lot of meetings. Go and read his statement.

    “We will meet and appoint a new leader. When we get to the meeting, we will attend to the vacancy. When we meet, we will appoint a new leader. I can’t tell you how a new leader will emerge until we meet.”

    It was learnt that Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who was taken aback by Fasoranti’s resignation, may meet with the elder statesman before the end of the week.

    Sources said yesterday that Arogbofa and Chief Olu Falae may also meet with Fasoranti over the matter.

    At Fasoranti’s Ijapo Estate home in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday reporters were not allowed in. Our reporter was told that he was relaxing in his private room.

    One of his aides said: “Baba cannot attend to anybody now. He is in his bedroom relaxing.”

    It was learnt that the elder statesman has remained indoors in the past two weeks.

    Arogbofa said there is no cause for concern.

    “I know Papa anchored his resignation mainly on old age. We should not see what has happened as what has never happened; there is nothing new in it.

    “We should be calm and begin to think and strategise on how to make and move the organisation forward.

    “We will put heads together and set a new course for the group as we did when Pa Adesanya was old and could not go ahead,” he said.

    Arogbofa, an author, called for the cooperation of all members and the Yoruba, saying “he alone cannot take the decision as to how to move the organisation forward.’’

    Arogbofa added: ”Afenifere is an organisation made up of intelligent people. We cannot rush to action in this kind of  situation. We are still consulting and I will inform you about the outcome of our consultation.

    “We were shocked by the action, because Baba Fasoranti never discussed with me before he took his decision, despite the level of our closeness.

    “I don’t know what he meant by disloyalty of members because he didn’t discuss with me before he took his decision, but I know the issue will be resolved soon”

    Spokesman of the organisation Yinka Odumakin said what happened was not beyond control.

    He said: We have some internal things to sort out. Nigerians will soon know when we are through.’’

    We’re committed to Afenifere’s philosophy, says ARG

    The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) said last night that it is committed to the philosophy of Afenifere as espoused by its founders.

    In a statement by its Chairman Hon. Wale Oshun, on the resignation of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, titled: In ARG, Afenifere philosophy stands underailed, the group said:  “The statement by our elder, Chief Reuben Fasoranti that the Afenifere he led has derailed has confirmed our worst fears of what we had always known since the IITA reconciliation summit of 2006.

    “The failure of that summit provided the groundswell for the reluctant emergence of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG).

    “Afenifere has now clearly exhibited itself as an out of touch institution whose lack of rudder has led to a total derailment from the fundamental values upon which it was built.

    “Chief Fasoranti’s exit as the leader of Afenifere is a clear indication that the organisation has come to roost.

    “We in Afenifere Renewal Group had seen the need for a renewal of Afenifere movement, anchored on the original philosophy of our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as the legitimate voice of Yoruba people, providing the visionary, selfless and altruistic leadership that our people and land require and deserve.

    “At this very critical period in the history of Nigeria and our people, we in the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) will continue the pursuit of the lofty ideals enunciated by the founders of Afenifere at its inception in Owo in 1951.

    “We call on all well intentioned YORUBA people to steer away from the unhealthy recriminations of the past, inhered in unwholesome ego, dividing our people and enabling the continuing slide from the heights hitherto attained through the vision of that great leader of all times, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and the hard-work and forbearance of Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Senator Abraham Adesanya, all of blessed memories.

    “There is work for us to do, says the Afenifere anthem, and we in ARG are more than prepared to focus on this.

    “We therefore seek the support of all YORUBA people, including those who still retained their Omoluabi values in the old order, to join ARG in our fervent pursuit of promoting, protecting, and ensuring the development of Yoruba people and communities in all spheres of human endeavors as embodied in our watch word:“freedom for all; life more abundant”.