By Olaitan Ibrahim
A faction of pan-Yoruba social political group, Afenifere on Tuesday appointed Oba Oladipo Olaitan, a former member House of Representatives as its new leader in replacement of Pa Ayo Adebanjo who recently passed on.
The appointment of Oba Olaitan as the new leader of Afenifere was announced in a communique issued after the monthly general meeting of the group held at the lsanya Ogbo, in Ogun state, the country home of its late leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
As stated in the communique, signed by the group’s Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni and it’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Oba Olaitan will function as the leader in acting capacity until after the final burial of Papa Ayo Adebanjo when he will assume the office as substantive Leader.
The communique also indicated that the National Caucus of the group recommended appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new Leader of Afenifere and the recommendation was accepted at the meeting.
“Oba Olaitan was called to the Nigerian Bar as a lawyer in 1971, a Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande and a member of the Lagos State Executive Council 1979 – 1983; elected Member House of Representatives and Leader of AD in the House 1999 – 2003.
“He has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years serving in various capacities including the National Financial Secretary under the leadership of Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
Oba Olaitan was quoted in his acceptance speech as saying that he is” committed 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.
Aside the appointment on the new leader, the group also raised alarm about the state of security in the country during the meeting, while noting the reports of a young man, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, the videos of whose ordeal, in the den of kidnappers have been on social media for almost a week.
“The Meeting called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi States around which common boundaries the kidnapping was reported to have taken place and the relevant security agencies to act without further delay and ensure the rescue and safety of the young man.
The group also paid tribute its late Leader, Pa Adebanjo, acknowledging his contributons to nation-building as reflected by the glowing tributes in his memory from all walks of life within Nigeria and the world over.
They commiserated with “the children and the immediate family members of our Leader and applauded them for their untiring courteous engagement of a large number of people who daily throng the Lekki Lagos and Isanya-Ogbo Ogun State residence of our great Leader.
The meeting was attended by delegates from the six South West states, Kogi, Kwara and the Itsekiri of Delta State
Specifically present at the meeting include, 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.