The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fasoranti

  • Fasoranti remains Afenifere leader

    Fasoranti remains Afenifere leader

    The tension generated by the sudden resignation of the National Leader of the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, has been doused with the withdrawal of the letter by the elder statesman.

    At an emergency meeting at Fasoranti’s Ijapo, Akure home, members prevailed on the Afenifere leader to withdraw his resignation.

    They vehemently rejected his resignation, maintaining that Fasoranti had performed creditably in running the group’s affairs.

    At the meeting, which lasted  almost six hours, were prominent members of the organisation, including Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    Other Afenifere leaders, who prevailed on Fasoranti to withdraw his resignation letter were Chiefs Ayo Adebanjo, Olu Falae, Seinde Arogbofa and Supo Sonibare, among others.

    The Yoruba leaders appealed to Fasoranti to continue in his service to the Yoruba and the country.

    Sources at the meeting said it took hours before Fasoranti could be convinced to withdraw his resignation.

    Mimiko, who arrived at the  meeting at 11am, waited till it ended about 4pm.

    A source at the meeting hinted that the Afenifere leaders had a hectic time convincing Fasoranti to withdraw his resignation.

    It had been rumoured that a new leader might emerge after yesterday’s meeting.

    The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, who briefed reporters at the end of the meeting, said the organisation rejected Fasoranti’s resignation after an exhaustive deliberation, which lasted hours.

    According to him, “the leaders of the organisation unanimously agreed that Pa Fasoranti should continue as leader and the elder statesman agreed”.

    Odumakin said Afenifere members appreciated the work done by Fasoranti since he took over and want him to continue.

    “We rejected Baba’s resignation and pleaded with him to continue.

    “He agreed to continue as our leader at the end of the day and this is a good development for Afenifere and the Yoruba.

    “Afenifere appreciates the good work Pa Fasoranti is doing for the Yoruba, even at his age.

    “He is a man of wisdom and principle, who has contributed greatly to the unity and development of Yoruba land.

    “Fasoranti remains the leader of Afenifere, following the withdrawal of his resignation.

    “He has promised to ensure the re-launch of Afenifere in Nigeria.

    “The organisation is united. There is no crisis in Afenifere and the house of Oduduwa is united.”

  • Afenifere has derailed, says Fasoranti

    Afenifere has derailed, says Fasoranti

    •Octogenarian leader quits over members’ ‘disloyalty’

    PAN-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti yesterday parted ways with the group, claiming that its founding fathers’ goals “are being gradually eroded”.

    In a letter signed by him, Fasoranti said he could no longer reconcile himself with how the group is drifting.

    Fasoranti, who became the group’s leader after the death of Chief Abraham Adesanya, said he has resigned forthwith.

    The socio-cultural group was formidable in the past until its polarisation led to the emergence of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), under Mr Wale Oshun.

    In the letter addressed to the group’s Secretary-General, Chief Seinde Arogbofa and other leaders, including Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olanihun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Supo Sonibare and state chairmen, Fasoranti alleged that some members were not loyal.

    The letter reads: “Our organisation, Afenifere, was formed in 1951 under the leadership of our leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    “The organisation was formed to serve as an umbrella to be used to actualise the dream of a great nation and the Yoruba.

    “Over the years, the Yoruba have tried to focus on a common goal. Chief Awolowo tried to ensure the oneness of our people with a lot of efforts, notwithstanding challenges he faced in the process. Unfortunately, he passed on without actualising this dream.

    “I joined Afenifere from inception with the following leaders; Pa Onasanya, Alhaji Ganiyu Daodu, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olanihun Ajayi, Chief Sam Sonibare, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire and others.

    “The mantle of leadership fell on the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin , the late Pa Adesanya and me. 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.

    “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.

    “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.”