July 29, 2024
Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation has split into two as Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the group’s leader, bars Chief Ayo Adebanjo from speaking on behalf of the mainstream Yoruba movement.
There have been noticeable cracks in the organisation before the 2023 presidential election.
While Pa Fasoranti supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebanjo threw his weight behind the aspiration of Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
However, in a statement signed by the National Organising Secretary and Acting Secretary of the Fasoranti faction, Abagun Kole Omololu, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, erstwhile deputy leader, has been from speaking on behalf of the organisation henceforth.
He, however, said Adebanjo as a brand on its own can air his view on national issues, but such view should not be on the platform of Afenifere.
Omololu, in a statement signed on the authority of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, also dissociated the pan-Yoruba organisation from the August 1 protest over the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
The statement reads: ” Afenifere acknowledges the realities of economic challenges and hunger in the land, while we also cannot deny that there is a global economic downturn ravaging most nations of the world, developed, developing, or underdeveloped alike. We, therefore, call on the government at the federal and sub-national levels to step up efforts to address these issues with all in their power.
“It is every citizen’s right to protest as a way of headlining their grievances to the government. It is on record that the president was at the forefront of peaceful protests against dictatorship alongside our leading Afenifere and democratic lights like Pa Adebanjo, Oba Olu Falae, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, and Prof Wole Soyinka and Gen. Alani Akinrinade which they were in custody at various times, with many fleeing into exile like our current President at the time. So, Afenifere appreciates the philosophy of protest that is meaningful, purposeful, and corrective at its core, and would stand for the citizens’ rights so long as its objectives are noble, peaceful, and not designed to cause Rage and mayhem.
“The planned anti-Tinubu National Strike is however taking a clear sinister dimension that is outside the tenets of constructive protests. With the threats of violence and force against public officials and family (veiled and unveiled) thrown into the protest mix, it is pertinent that every well-meaning citizen and organisation would stand against such ill-conceived and already tainted protest at such a time like this when the government is striving to get the nation out of the economic woods.
“It is important here to reiterate that Pa Reuben Fasoranti is the Leader of Afenifere and the authentic voice of the group. Pa Ayo Adebanjo is not the leader, as the role of acting leader is already abrogated, while the Council of Elders headed by the Leader himself, Pa Fasoranti, now determines the position and direction of Afenifere.
“In light of this, any communication from PA Adebanjo or anyone in his proxy does not represent the position of Afenifere. Such would only be acting as impostors, and should not be entertained by the media or general public as Afenifere representatives.
“It goes without saying that outside Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo is a Brand, and he does not need Afenifere to air his legitimate views. It is instructive to advise the media to note and publish his views as an individual as distinct from Afenifere, while all those using his name and that of Afenifere under whatever guise should desist henceforth.
“In light of the above, it, therefore becomes necessary for Afenifere to declare its stance against the proposed rage given the undercurrents of threats of hijack and descent into anarchy, while asking youths and the general citizenry to exercise restraints, embrace dialogue, and give the government enough latitude to restore confidence in the economy.
“Afenifere does not want the Kenya experience which has caused ruination to the struggling economy of Kenya. Nigeria cannot afford a crippling crisis of carnage and rage, not now, and not ever.
“Acknowledgingcitizens’s rights to peaceful protests once again, Afenifere, therefore sues for peace and admonishes the youths and organisers of the protest to embrace dialogue and be patient with the government.
“Afenifere implores the securities services to safeguard the life of the citizens from hoodlums and anarchists who look to hiding under the guise of protests to unleash destruction on the nation.”
