Fasoranti resigns as Afenifere leader, alleges disloyalty among members

According to Daily Sun, the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organ­isation, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti yester­day resigned as the group’s leader. He attributed his decision to alleged disloyalty among members. The resignation, according to Fasoranti, takes immidiate effect.

Fasoranti, who became the leader of Afenifere after the death of Chief Abraham Adesanya, said in a letter he addressed to the Secretary-General, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, and copied other leaders of the group including Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Lanihun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Supo Sonibare and all state chairmen, that some members are not loyal.

The letter reads in part: “Our organisation, Af­enifere was formed in 1951 under the leadership of our leader; Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The organisa­tion was formed to serve as an umbrella to be used to actualise the dream of a great nation and the Yo­ruba race.

“Over the years, Yoruba have tried to focus on a common goal. Chief Awolowo tried to ensure the oneness of our people with a lot of efforts, notwith­standing the challenges he faced in the process. Unfortunately, he passed on without actualising this dream.

“The mantle of leadership fell on the late Pa Ad­ekunle Ajasin and subsequently, the late Pa Adesan­ya and then my humble self. As events have been unfolding in the past few years, the focus and goals of the founding fathers of our great organisation, ‘Afenifere’ were gradually eroded.

“This, therefore, made it a herculian task for our members to work in unity. Several efforts were made to ensure the actualisation of the Afenifere­goals, but it appeared we have not succeeded in achieving this. This is basically due to reasons best known to our members individually.

“Let me state clearly that the issue of adoption of the National Conference report had always been the focus and goal of our people in Afenifere even long before the confab was set up. The support of a leader who promised to implement this report was, therefore, not a mistake and inevitable, despite all public insinuations.

“Considering my age, efforts and selfless dedi­cation to my country, my state (Ondo), my politi­cal parties, my past leaders and my members in Afenifere both in Nigeria and in diaspora, I hereby wish to inform you all that I have decided to step aside as leader of our great organisation, Afenife­re,” Pa Fasoranti said. (Daily Sun)