The pan‑Yoruba socio‑political organization Afenifere is again mired in a leadership crisis following the death of its long‑time patriarch Pa Reuben Fasoranti. A faction led by the traditional ruler Oba Oladipo Olaitan has called for all factions to rally behind his stewardship, while other senior members are reportedly preparing to launch a break‑away body dubbed “Afenifere Independent.”
In a statement released last week, the Olaitan camp announced the consolidation of its collective leadership under the Oba as a tribute to Fasoranti’s legacy. The statement praised Fasoranti as “a patriarch of principles” who championed true federalism and Yoruba interests, and it lauded Olaitan for his “sincerity of purpose” and “strategic capacity” to promote both regional advocacy and national unity.
“The time for division is over. The survival, stability and prosperity of the Yoruba people now depend on absolute pan‑Yoruba unity,” the statement read, urging members to “close ranks” behind Olaitan.
Not all factions welcomed the move. Sources close to the “old guard” say they intend to form a new Afenifere and that the Akure camp plans to name a former governor as Fasoranti’s successor, rejecting Olaitan’s claim to leadership. According to a senior insider, “the two camps cannot be united as it is and that is why some of us have made up our mind to come up with Afenifere Independent.”
Afenifere’s National Executive Committee chairman, former SGF Oba Olu Falae, distanced himself from the Olaitan camp, calling the succession talk “premature” and “contrary to Yoruba culture.” Speaking in Akure after delivering condolences to Fasoranti’s family, Falae emphasized that the priority should be a dignified burial before any leadership decisions are made, adding that a credible leader would emerge thereafter.
The dispute highlights deep divisions over cultural succession norms and the future direction of pan‑Yoruba politics. While some factions push for a fresh platform to “resuscitate Afenifere,” others argue that unity can only be achieved after honoring Fasoranti’s memory and observing traditional protocols.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
