Late Pa Reuben Fasoranti

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The leadership crisis rocking the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has deepened following the death of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, with fresh moves by some aggrieved chieftains to establish a breakaway group, reportedly to be known as Afenifere Independent.

The development follows a call by a faction within the organisation for members to unite behind Oba Oladipo Olaitan as its leader. However, the proposal has generated opposition from other influential members, particularly those who insist that discussions about succession should wait until after Fasoranti’s burial. Some members are also reportedly considering a fresh leadership arrangement to resolve the longstanding divisions within the organisation.

Oba Olaitan’s camp had described his emergence as a step towards consolidating Afenifere’s legacy and promoting Yoruba unity. Its leaders, including Prince Justice Faloye and Alade Rotimi-John, said Olaitan possessed the experience and capacity to protect the organisation’s interests while promoting national cohesion. However, the position has attracted criticism from prominent Afenifere members. The Chairman of its National Executive Committee, Oba Olu Falae, described succession discussions as premature and contrary to Yoruba cultural traditions, insisting that the immediate priority should be giving Fasoranti a befitting burial.

A former spokesperson of Afenifere, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, who is associated with the Afenifere Independent tendency, warned that any attempt to impose a leader on the organisation would fail. He argued that the crisis reflects deeper ideological differences between the factions, particularly over the principles of progressivism, democratic socialism and national unity championed by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Adejumo also accused some members of attempting to sideline the legacy of former Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, whom he described as a consistent defender of Awolowo’s political philosophy.

Adejumo further recalled how Adebanjo reportedly declined to succeed Chief Abraham Adesanya and instead recommended Fasoranti for the position, believing he could unite the different tendencies within the organisation. He also defended Adebanjo’s 2023 decision to support Peter Obi’s presidential ambition, arguing that the move was driven by the principle of political equity and inclusion. According to him, without Obi’s participation in the election, President Bola Tinubu might not have secured victory, as the votes attracted by the Labour Party candidate significantly altered the opposition’s electoral strength.

With disagreements over succession, ideology and the future direction of Afenifere persisting, the prospect of a third force or breakaway organisation appears increasingly possible. However, the growing calls for reconciliation suggest that the struggle to restore unity and reposition the pan-Yoruba group remains far from over.

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