BREAKING: Afenifere appoints Oba Oladipo Olaitan as new leader

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has appointed Oba Oladipo Olaitan as its new leader.

This was disclosed in a communiqué issued after the group’s monthly general meeting held at Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, the country home of its late leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

The meeting had in attendance delegates from the six South-West states, as well as Kogi, Kwara, and the Itsekiri of Delta State.

According to the communiqué, “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 communiqué, signed by the group’s Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, stated:

“The meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new Leader of Afenifere.”

Oba Olaitan, a seasoned lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971, previously served as a Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande and was a member of the Lagos State Executive Council (1979–1983).

He was also elected to the House of Representatives, where he led the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the House from 1999 to 2003.

The communiqué noted, “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.”

In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed leader reaffirmed his dedication to Afenifere’s core principles.

“I am committed to the ideals of Afenifere as a socio-political organisation and an unrelenting advocate of restructuring and true federalism,” he said, adding that he would work towards the unity of the group.

Addressing security concerns, Afenifere condemned the deteriorating security situation in the country.

The group highlighted the recent kidnapping of a young man, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, whose ordeal had been circulating on social media for almost a week.

“The Meeting called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi States, around whose 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,” the communiqué stated.

Afenifere also paid tribute to its late leader, Pa Adebanjo, acknowledging his significant contributions to nation-building.

“We acknowledge the enviable contributions of our late Leader, Pa Adebanjo, as reflected by the glowing tributes in his memory from all walks of life within Nigeria and the world over,” the group noted.

They also commiserated with his family, commending their “tireless and courteous engagement of the large number of people who daily throng the Lekki, Lagos, and Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State residences of our great Leader.”

Prominent figures at the meeting included 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.