A faction of the prominent pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has strongly disassociated itself from a recent statement made by individuals claiming to represent the organization in the United Kingdom and the United States. The group clarified that the individuals behind the statement were expelled from Afenifere over two years ago and do not represent the interests of the organization.
The controversy began when two groups under the Afenifere UK and US chapters, led by Babatunde Shianaba (UK) and Dr. Durojaiye Akindutire (US), issued a joint statement rejecting the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new leader of Afenifere.
However, in a counterstatement, signed by Adebayo Adenekan, the Secretary for the Diaspora, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Afenifere discredited the claims made in the publication. The statement emphasized that the individuals behind the opposition were no longer part of the group and that their remarks did not reflect the stance of Afenifere.
The statement read in part, “The attention of Afenifere has been drawn to a statement issued by some people masquerading as members of Afenifere in the UK and the US. For the record, those who signed the statement were expelled from Afenifere more than two years ago and do not represent Afenifere in the US and UK.”
The group further clarified the legitimate leadership of its diaspora branches, asserting that the current, recognized leaders in both the US and UK are Prof. Sikiru Fadairo and Mr. David Adenekan in the US, and Mr. Seyi Adefisan and Prof. Seun Kolade in the UK. “These are respected and polished men leading Afenifere in the US and the UK Diaspora,” the statement added. Afenifere urged the public to disregard any statements from individuals not affiliated with these leaders.
In response to the attacks on Oba Olaitan’s leadership, Afenifere condemned the allegations, affirming that Olaitan’s position was legitimately earned. The statement read, “The diatribe launched on the person of Oba Oladipo Olaitan demonstrates the depth of ignorance of those who signed that statement.”
Afenifere pointed out that Oba Olaitan had been appointed as a deputy leader by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the former leader of the group, and had performed admirably under the leadership of the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo. The organization emphasized that questioning Olaitan’s leadership was an insult to Pa Fasoranti’s judgment.
Finally, the organization urged the public to dismiss any statements made by the expelled members, Dr. Durojaiye Akindutire and Engr. Babatunde Shianaba, branding their claims as baseless and motivated by personal interests.
“We urge the public to consign any statement signed by Dr. Durojaiye Akindutire and Engr. Babatunde Shianaba to the dustbin,” the statement concluded, emphasizing their lack of integrity and political motivations.
