Afenifere Crisis: ‘There Is Only One Afenifere’, Secretary Insists Amid Breakup Allegations

The General Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Ademola Folarin, has dismissed suggestions that the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation is heading for a fresh split, insisting that there is only one Afenifere despite disagreements over leadership and political affiliations.

Folarin said members of the organisation remained committed to reconciliation, adding that efforts were ongoing to bring aggrieved members together under one umbrella.

He spoke in an interview with Vanguard, in which he addressed the leadership dispute, alleged plans to establish another group, the process of choosing a successor to the late leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and Afenifere’s political position ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Afenifere secretary acknowledged that disagreements existed within the organisation but argued that they should not be interpreted as evidence that the group had broken apart.

According to him, members had recognised the need for unity and understood that the organisation would be more effective if its different tendencies worked together.

Folarin said reconciliation efforts had gained fresh momentum before Fasoranti’s death, disclosing that the late leader had invited some members, including Oba Oladipo Olaitan, to a meeting as part of efforts to resolve the disagreements.

He said the proposed meeting was postponed because of arrangements for Fasoranti’s burial, but stressed that the reconciliation process had not been abandoned.

The secretary maintained that Afenifere would continue working towards bringing everyone back together, noting that patience and dialogue were necessary to achieve a peaceful resolution.

On the question of succession, Folarin criticised discussions about who should take over the leadership of the organisation before the burial of Fasoranti, describing such conversations as disrespectful to the memory of the late leader.

He cited the position of Chief Olu Falae, who had reportedly advised that discussions on succession should wait until after the burial.

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Folarin also dismissed suggestions that there was an existing plan to install former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as the next Afenifere leader.

He said there was no such arrangement, although he acknowledged that individuals were free to express interest in the position.

According to him, the next leader would emerge through a gathering of elders and leaders of the organisation rather than through an ordinary election.

He explained that Afenifere was not a political party and that its leadership process involved consultation among respected elders and leaders.

Folarin said anyone aspiring to lead the organisation must demonstrate a record of commitment to its ideals, particularly unity and service to the Yoruba people, rather than personal or partisan interests.

He also rejected the suggestion that an individual’s political influence or ambition should automatically qualify them for the leadership position.

The Afenifere secretary further addressed reports that some members were considering the formation of a group to be known as Afenifere Independent, amid the lingering disagreements.

While the interview raised the issue, Folarin’s broader position was that the organisation should remain united and that efforts to reconcile members should continue.

On Afenifere’s political position ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Folarin confirmed that the organisation under his leadership had endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

He said Afenifere supported Tinubu in the 2023 election and saw no reason to reverse its position, arguing that the president’s experience and record in government informed the endorsement.

Folarin, however, acknowledged that members of the organisation were free to support other candidates, describing Afenifere as a democratic organisation in which individuals could hold different political opinions.

He also defended the late Fasoranti’s decision to endorse Tinubu in 2023, despite earlier political disagreements between the former Lagos governor and some Afenifere leaders.

Folarin contrasted Fasoranti’s approach with that of the late Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, whom he accused of endorsing Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 election without first consulting other leaders of the organisation.

He argued that Fasoranti placed greater emphasis on collective decision-making and consultation, describing him as a unifying figure who respected the views of other members.

Folarin also maintained that political differences should not be allowed to destroy the organisation’s longstanding role in promoting Yoruba interests and national unity.

He urged members to put aside their disagreements and embrace reconciliation, insisting that Afenifere’s future depended on its ability to remain united.