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.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, ordered the immediate refund of billions of naira traced to church projects after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) linked the funds to proceeds of alleged financial crimes.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that Adeboye directed church officials to return the money within 24 hours after the commission informed him of the findings of its investigation.

Olukoyede made the revelation on Saturday, November 7, 2026, while addressing pastors, ministers and other workers of the RCCG at the Redemption City of God, Simawa, Ogun State.

The meeting followed the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service and was organised to discuss ethical standards, financial propriety and the need for transparency in religious institutions.

Recounting the incident, the EFCC chairman said an individual under investigation for alleged financial crimes had made substantial donations to RCCG projects. However, investigations by the commission subsequently traced some of the funds to the church.

According to Olukoyede, the individual was involved in financial transactions running into tens of billions of naira, with some of the money eventually traced to RCCG projects.

He said he personally approached Adeboye to explain the commission’s findings, after which the cleric immediately instructed church officials to return every amount traced to the individual.

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Olukoyede said Adeboye was visibly displeased when he learnt about the source of the funds and gave the church officials 24 hours to return the money.

The EFCC chairman said the funds were subsequently returned to government coffers, commending the cleric for his response and describing it as an example of accountability.

He did not disclose the identity of the donor, the exact amount returned or the specific RCCG projects that received the funds.

Using the incident to warn religious organisations against questionable financial transactions, Olukoyede urged church leaders to investigate the sources of substantial donations before accepting them.

He cautioned that religious institutions must not become channels through which proceeds of crime are concealed or legitimised, stressing that religious status should not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution.

The EFCC boss also expressed concern about cases involving religious leaders allegedly implicated in financial misconduct, including questionable transactions and irregularities surrounding contracts for church projects.

He recalled a separate case involving another church allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme, saying its leader initially resisted the commission’s intervention but eventually refunded a substantial amount after the EFCC threatened legal action.

Olukoyede did not identify the church or provide further details about the case.

He further warned against the growing influence of materialism, unhealthy competition and struggles for leadership positions in religious organisations.

The EFCC chairman raised concerns about reports of individuals allegedly offering money to secure ordination, promotion or leadership positions within the RCCG.

He described the offering or receiving of money in exchange for such positions as bribery, warning that both parties could be held accountable under the law.

Olukoyede also cautioned pastors against giving undue recognition to individuals whose wealth is suspected to be linked to financial crimes. He said churches should welcome people without using religious platforms to celebrate or promote questionable sources of wealth.

Responding to the EFCC chairman’s remarks, Adeboye reportedly assured him that the RCCG would not protect anyone found involved in financial wrongdoing.

The cleric also urged pastors and church workers to maintain proper financial records and ensure that their activities were free from corruption.

Olukoyede, who is also a senior pastor in the RCCG, said the fight against financial crimes must apply to everyone, irrespective of religious affiliation, position or influence.

He urged religious leaders to uphold transparency and accountability, warning that corruption within faith-based institutions could undermine public trust and the moral authority of religious organisations.