Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-28 04:05:33
The decision to abrogate the positions of acting and deputy leader in the leadership cadre of Afenifere, the apex Yoruba socio-political organisation, has raised many questions and garnered attention. The development comes after a prolonged conflict between the two nonagenarian leaders of the organization, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Pa Ayo Adebanjo. The conflict, which stemmed from ideological and political differences, has now been tactically resolved with the establishment of an Elders’ Caucus to manage the organization’s affairs.
According to a communique signed by the organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the decision to dissolve the positions of acting and deputy leader was unanimously raised at the group’s quarterly meeting held in Akure at the residence of Pa Fasoranti. Following this decision, Adebanjo ceased to be the mainstream Yoruba group’s acting leader, while Fasoranti remains the organization’s substantive leader. The newly constituted Elders’ Caucus, chaired by Fasoranti, would advise the leader on various issues.
The conflict between Fasoranti and Adebanjo stemmed from their differing opinions on whether the group is primarily a socio-political or socio-cultural organization. Additionally, their opposing views on who to support in political elections further exacerbated the discord within the organization. Fasoranti and his loyalists believed Afenifere is a socio-cultural body and supported President Bola Tinubu in the 2019 presidential election, while Adebanjo’s faction insisted the group is primarily a political body and backed Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate.
The decision to dissolve the leadership positions was not reached without extensive efforts aimed at reconciliation. The organization’s youth had threatened to pull out unless Adebanjo was removed as acting leader, prompting a series of reconciliation efforts with no avail. The conflict had left the group more polarized than ever before, causing many respected Yoruba individuals to distance themselves from the organization.
The genesis of the impasse can be traced back to 2021 when Pa Fasoranti handed over authority to Adebanjo after 13 years of leadership. However, differing opinions on the nature and purpose of the organization led to a prolonged conflict between the two factions. Adebanjo’s camp continued to maintain that the organization should remain a socio-political group, while Fasoranti’s faction asserted that it functions as a socio-cultural body.
The decision to dissolve the leadership positions and establish an Elders’ Caucus comes as a strategic move to restore unity and coherence within the organization after years of division and discord. The organization has undertaken numerous attempts at reconciliation, but the conflicting views and deep-rooted differences have led to a prolonged impasse.
Ultimately, the decision to abrogate the leadership positions and establish an Elders’ Caucus reflects the organization’s commitment to restoring harmony and unity. It is hoped that this move will pave the way for a new chapter in Afenifere’s history, where the focus can once again be on advancing the cause of the Yoruba people.
