Factions of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere loyal to Reuben Fasoranti and Ayo Adebanjo are at loggerheads again following the appointment of a right activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, as the group’s organising secretary.  

On Tuesday, the Afenifere faction led by Mr Adebanjo held a parallel meeting at Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, where it appointed Mr Farotimi as the organisation’s organising secretary; a position held by Kole Omololu in the Fasoranti faction of the group. 

Mr Farotimi’s appointment was announced in a communiqué at the end of the meeting at the Isanya Ogbo residence of Mr Adebanjo in Ogun State 

“The general meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the national organising secretary of the Afenifere,” the communiqué jointly signed by the deputy leader, Oladipo Olaitan and the national publicity secretary, Justice Faloye, partly read. 

But in a statement on Wednesday in Akure, Mr Omololu disagreed with the appointment of Mr Farotimi, describing the Fasoranti’s faction of Afenifere as the “authentic” group. . 

In the copy of the statement titled, “Pa Fasoranti remains Afenifere’s true leader,” signed by Mr Omololu, the group stated that it would continue to uphold the values and principles that guided its formation for the welfare of the Yoruba. .

The statement added, “I acknowledge the appointment of Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of the faction led by Pa. Adebanjo. However, it is important to clarify that there is only one authentic Afenifere, which remains under the leadership of Pa. Reuben Fashoranti. This body continues to uphold the core values and principles that have guided us since the formation of Afenifere, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the welfare and progress of the Yoruba people and the entire nation,” an excerpt from the statement issued to journalists read. 

Noting that it respects the democratic rights of individuals to organise and associate, Mr Omololu added in the statement that the leadership of Mr Fashoranti is the only “legitimate and recognised Afenifere.”

He said “It is imperative that the public is aware of the distinction between the authentic Afenifere and any other groups that may claim the name for political purposes. As we continue our work, our focus remains on unity, justice, and the advancement of democratic values. 

“We are committed to collaborating with all those who share these principles, irrespective of factional differences. The future of our region and our country depends on our ability to remain united and focused on the issues that matter most to our people.”

Peoples Gazette reports that there had been rancour between the two factions of Messrs Fasoranti and Adebanjo before the 2023 general elections. 

The cold war between the two men started manifested from the position of Mr Adebanjo to support Peter Obi of the Labour Party from the South-East in the presidential election against Mr Fasoranti’s faction, who supported Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress during the last poll.