Step down as Afenifere leader, Protesting Group tells Adebanjo

Those sponsoring them want to divide Afenifere. Those protesting are too small for me to engage them in any form of political controversy in this country.”

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Pa Ayo Adebanjo – Afenifere Leader

A group, under the aegis of Concerned Oodua Defendants, has called on Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the acting Leader of Afenifere, a Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, to step aside.

Its South-West Coordinator, Mr Lai Gboluaje, made the call in Ibadan, while leading a protest staged against the continuity of Adebanjo as leader of Afenifere.

BRANDPOWER reports that Adebanjo became the acting leader of the organisation after Chief Reuben Fasoranti stepped aside on account of old age.

Gboluaje said the call became necessary for the sustainability of Yoruba heritage.

He stressed that whoever would lead Afenifere must be in support of whatever Yoruba people stand for.

“We have watched with dismay, disappointment and sadness how noble ideal of Afenifere founding fathers had been bastardised in the last one year.

“We can no longer fold our arms and watch our noble heritage going into mud. If we do, the likes of Pa Awolowo, Pa Ajasin, Pa Adesanya, Pa Ige, will not forgive us,” he said.

“Chief Adebanjo has subverted the principle of Afenifere. He has proven to be incapable of leading Afenifere or any other Yoruba interest.” he claimed.

Gboluaje, while calling on the governors and leaders of the region to prevail on Adebanjo to step aside as the leader of the group, said Adebanjo had over-stayed in the organisation, adding that the acting leader is no more relevant to the group.

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He said that Adebanjo’s stand against his kinsmen, particularly after the just-concluded presidential election, is uncalled for.

Gboluaje noted that former leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, should take back the mantle of leadership so that the group could be rejigged and reverted back to its original philosophy.

Meanwhile, Odukoya, while addressing the protesters, said: “This peaceful protest is welcome and I will deliver your letter and message to the governor, Seyi Makinde.”

Their sponsors want to divide Afenifere, says Adebanjo

When Vanguard contacted the Afenifere leader, Pa Adebanjo alleged that those sponsoring the protest against him are out to divide the Yoruba group.

He also vowed not to engage those calling for his removal in any form of controversy.

Adebanjo, in a chat with Vanguard, said: “For those asking me to step down, I don’t know their fathers. I don’t know them; I should probably know their fathers but I will not reduce myself to their level. All those protesting are sponsored, they have been given money.

“I will not engage in any form of controversy with anyone and that is why I told our members not to engage in controversy with anyone of them. Those sponsoring them want to divide Afenifere. Those protesting are too small for me to engage them in any form of political controversy in this country.”

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