The pan-Yoruba organisation calls on factions and political actors to close ranks and uphold the legacy of Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has announced the consolidation of its leadership under Kabiyesi Oba Oladipo Olaitan, describing the development as a step towards greater unity and the protection of Yoruba interests in Nigeria.
The organisation, in a statement issued in Lagos, said the move also represented a tribute to the legacy of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, whom it described as a prominent figure in the history of the organisation and an advocate of true federalism, equity and justice.
According to Afenifere, the leadership transition is intended to strengthen unity among the Yoruba people and reinforce the organisation’s commitment to progressive politics and equitable governance.
It called on factions, political actors and younger generations within the Yoruba nation to set aside their differences and rally behind Olaitan’s leadership.
“The time for division is over,” the organisation declared, urging Yoruba people to “close ranks, eschew the politics of bitterness and hatred” and work towards a common future.
Afenifere said the survival, stability and prosperity of the Yoruba people depended on unity and a collective commitment to protecting their heritage and socio-political interests.
The organisation paid tribute to Fasoranti for sustaining the ideals associated with its founding political tradition, particularly the principles of fairness, justice, federalism and the advancement of the Yoruba people.
It said Fasoranti had followed the political philosophy of prominent Yoruba leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Senator Abraham Adesanya.
According to the statement, Fasoranti remained a moral voice for the organisation through periods of national uncertainty, providing leadership anchored on equity, fairness and the pursuit of justice.
Afenifere said the responsibility of sustaining that legacy now rested on Olaitan, whom it described as a leader with a commitment to the organisation’s core interests and the broader unity of Nigeria.
The organisation also urged Olaitan to discharge his leadership responsibilities with restraint, wisdom and dignity, drawing on his traditional institution and experience to promote stability within the organisation.
It cautioned against transient political pressures and interests, stressing that the leadership position should be treated as a responsibility to protect the organisation’s institutions and the collective interests of the Yoruba people.
Afenifere further reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s stability and the pursuit of a just and equitable country through restructuring and true federalism.
The organisation said its broader mission remained the preservation of progressive socio-political interests and advocacy for equitable governance in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Alade Rotimi-John, Secretary-General of Afenifere, and Prince Justice Faloye, National Publicity Secretary, on behalf of the organisation’s Communications Directorate.
The announcement comes as Afenifere emphasises the need for cohesion within the Yoruba socio-political movement and continued engagement with national questions concerning federalism, justice and governance.