Oba Olaitan, the Alaago of Kajola Alago in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun State, succeeds Fasoranti as the organisation moves to establish a new leadership and strengthen unity among its members.
The development was announced in a joint statement by Afenifere’s General Secretary, Alade Rotimi-John, and Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye.
The organisation called on its members and the wider Yoruba community to put aside disagreements, close ranks and support the new leader in protecting Yoruba interests and cultural heritage.
Afenifere expressed confidence in Oba Olaitan’s ability to advance its objectives while promoting national unity and addressing the concerns of the Yoruba people.
TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR LATE FASORANTI
The leadership announcement has coincided with tributes to Fasoranti, who reportedly died in Akure on Tuesday.
Several groups and public figures have remembered the late elder statesman for his commitment to democracy, true federalism, fairness and the promotion of Yoruba values.
The Yoruba for Democratic Values, led by its convener, Debo Adeniran, described Fasoranti as a respected moral figure whose public service was guided by strong principles rather than political convenience.
The League of Veteran Journalists, chaired by Banji Ogundele, also praised his character and contributions throughout his long life.
Fasoranti was remembered for his early career as an educator and his involvement in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned for the restoration of the June 12 presidential election mandate.
He also endured personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and the murder of his daughter, as well as reported assassination attempts during the military era. Despite these experiences, his admirers said he remained committed to his vision of a fair and democratic Nigeria.
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION COMES AMID INTERNAL DISAGREEMENTS
Oba Olaitan’s emergence comes against the backdrop of longstanding disagreements within Afenifere, which has experienced divisions over leadership and organisational direction in recent years.
The crisis intensified in 2023 when the organisation’s then-acting leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, suspended National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi and National Organising Committee member Abagun Kole Omololu. The development contributed to a split within the group.
Although some prominent figures, including Chief Olu Falae, have expressed confidence in the traditional process of selecting a new leader, others have questioned whether the organisation can easily overcome its divisions.
Former Afenifere Secretary Senator Femi Okurounmu reportedly described reconciliation among the factions as a difficult task, while political analyst Mogaji Adejumo expressed uncertainty about the organisation’s future.
The latest leadership decision is expected to help prevent a prolonged succession dispute, although rebuilding trust among the different groups remains a significant challenge.
AFENIFERE SEEKS TO PRESERVE ITS PROGRESSIVE LEGACY
Afenifere’s leadership has maintained that the organisation will continue to uphold the principles associated with its past leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Senator Abraham Adesanya.
Under Oba Olaitan’s leadership, the group is expected to pursue its traditional objectives of promoting Yoruba interests, democratic governance, social justice and a more equitable society.
However, the success of the transition will depend partly on the organisation’s ability to reconcile its factions, restore internal cooperation and establish a shared direction for the future.
