The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has named Oba Oladipo Olaitan as its new leader.
This announcement was made in a statement issued after the group’s monthly general meeting, held at the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s country home in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.
Delegates from the six South West states, as well as Kogi, Kwara, and the Itsekiri community of Delta State, attended the meeting.
The communique stated that Oba Olaitan would serve as the Acting Leader until the final burial of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, after which he will officially assume the role of substantive Leader.
The communique, signed by the group’s Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, mentioned that the decision was made following the approval of the National Caucus.
It highlighted Oba Olaitan’s extensive experience, noting that he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971, served as a Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande, was a member of the Lagos State Executive Council (1979–1983), and later as a Member of the House of Representatives and Leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the House (1999–2003).
Oba Olaitan has been an active member of Afenifere for over 45 years, serving in various roles, including National Financial Secretary under Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaitan expressed his commitment to Afenifere’s ideals as a socio-political organization and a firm advocate for restructuring and true federalism. He assured the group of his efforts to maintain unity within the organization.
Regarding security, the group expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country. The meeting also addressed the case of Prince Eniola Ojajuni, a young man who had been kidnapped, with videos of his ordeal circulating on social media for nearly a week. The group called on the Ondo and Kogi state governments, as well as relevant security agencies, to act swiftly to ensure the young man’s rescue and safety.
Afenifere also paid tribute to the late Pa Adebanjo, acknowledging his significant contributions to nation-building, which were widely recognized through heartfelt tributes from across Nigeria and the world. The group commiserated with his children and family, praising them for their gracious handling of the many people visiting their residences in Lekki, Lagos, and Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State, to honor Pa Adebanjo’s memory.
Some of the prominent figures who attended the meeting included Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Senator Gbenga Kaka, former Deputy Governor of Ogun State Pekun Awobona, Chief Tola Mobolurin, Tokunbo Ajasin, Engr. Bayo Adenekan, Hon. Leke Mabinuori, Olayemi Olajuyinu, Olu Pessu, and Chief Olusegun Olawoyin.
