Afenifere clarifies Internal developments, backs Olu Falae’s appointment as caucus chair

June 1, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Elder statesman and former Secretary-General of Afenifere, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, has affirmed the appointment of Chief Olu Falae as Chairman of the Afenifere Caucus Committee.

According to Arogbofa, the appointment is a necessary step to fill an existing gap within the socio-political organisation’s structure.

Speaking in Akure, Arogbofa explained that the group is focused on strengthening its internal coordination and is not embroiled in any leadership crisis.

“There is no problem at all regarding the formation of the caucus committee. Somebody has to preside over caucus meetings. After the unfortunate setback we experienced, the authentic Afenifere body has been working to consolidate and move ahead.”

Arogbofa maintained that the development should not be misinterpreted, noting that every executive arm of an organisation requires a leadership structure.

“Whenever we have an executive, the executive must have leadership. That’s what has happened here.”

Providing historical context, he said leadership within Afenifere has always followed a rotational tradition among its elder statesmen from zone to zone or from state to state.

“From Papa Awolowo to Papa Ajasin, and then to Papa Adesanya and now Papa Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere’s leadership tradition has remained rotational. It’s not a matter of personal ambition or competition.”

Arogbofa shed light on the previous arrangement where Pa Ayo Adebanjo was appointed as acting leader by Papa Reuben Fasoranti, clarifying that the arrangement had since been formally rescinded. “Yes, it is true that Papa Fasoranti once appointed Pa Adebanjo to act on his behalf and Olaitan was designated as deputy on March 16, 2021.

However, by Jan 24, 2024, Papa reviewed that arrangement.”

According to Arogbofa, the decision followed concerns about adherence to tradition, stating: “In Afenifere, whenever a leader is unable to preside over meetings due to age or health but is still alive, he may appoint someone to act.

But such acting leadership must host meetings in the home of the substantive leader and must report back. That didn’t happen and Papa as the leader reversed that decision and reunited everyone into a single, authentic structure. That nullified any earlier appointments.”

Addressing reports that some individuals were holding parallel meetings, Arogbofa maintained that such actions were of no consequence, saying that there is no vacancy in Afenifere.

“While Olu Falae was being selected as chairman of the caucus committee here in Akure, another group was meeting elsewhere. But I’m happy that they have lawyers among them, the person who appoints has the right to rescind that appointment.

“Papa Fasoranti made that clear when he cancelled previous roles and reconstituted the body.”

Dismissing speculation of internal conflict, Arogbofa described the situation as part of normal organisational dynamics, adding that efforts were ongoing to foster greater unity.

“These are internal matters. Splinter tendencies are not new; they come and go. The main body remains intact. What is important now is that we all work together.”

In his final remarks, Arogbofa expressed hope for continued cooperation among Yoruba elders and leaders, stating: “I pray that common sense prevails and that we come together to collectively defend the Yoruba cause.”