In replacement of the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who recently died at the age of 97, Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has announced Oba Oladipo Olaitan, as its new leader.
Oba Olaitan is the former deputy leader of the Adebanjo faction, with Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leading another faction.
The appointment of Oba Olaitan was contained in a communique issued at the end of the meeting of the group held at late Adebanjo’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
The communique made available by the Secretary General of the group, Chief Sola Ebiseni, in Akure, Ondo State stated that Oba Olaitan would function as the leader in an acting capacity and after the final burial of Adebanjo, he would assume the office as a substantive leader.
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.”
The group decried the state of security in the country in the communique, 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.
