Afenifere’s faction appoints Adebanjo’s replacement
Following the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, deputy leader of Afenifere, Oba Olaitan Oladipo has been appointed as new leader of the sociopolitical group.
Oladipo’s emergence was approved at a meeting of Afenifere held at the Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State residence of Adebanjo.
The development comes 11 days after Adebanjo died in Lagos at the age of 96.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting signed by its Secretary General, Sola Ebiseni and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, said Oladipo emerged new leader in consideration of the recommendations of the national caucus of Afenifere.
The communique said Oladipo would function in acting capacity till after burial of Adebanjo when he becomes substantive leader of Afenifere.
“Meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new Leader of Afenifere.
“Oba Olaitan will function as the Leader in acting capacity till after the final burial of Papa Ayo Adebanjo when he will assume the office as substantive leader,” the communique read.
Olaitan, a lawyer, has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years serving in various capacities including the National Financial Secretary under the leadership of Reuben Fasoranti and deputy leader under Ayo Adebanjo.
In his acceptance speech the new Leader committed himself to the ideals of Afenifere as a social political organisation and unrelenting advocate of restructuring and true federalism adding that he would ensure the unity of the organisation.
The communique also saw the Afenifere express displeasure over the security situation in the country.
It made mention of the viral video of one Eniola Ojajuni who has remained in the den of kidnappers for about a week.
Attendees at the meeting included the new leader, Oladipo Olaitan; Femi Okunrounmu; Gbenga Kaka; Pekun Awobona; Tola Mobolurin; Tokunbo Ajasin; Bayo Adenekan; Leke Mabinuori; Olayemi Olajuyinu; Olu Pessu and Olusegun Olawoyin.
