Afenifere appoints Oba Oladipo Olaitan as its acting leader following the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo. He will assume full leadership after the late leader’s final burial.
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has appointed Oba Oladipo Olaitan as its new leader in an acting capacity. The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after the group’s monthly general meeting held at Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, the country home of its late leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. Delegates from the six South-West states, as well as Kogi, Kwara, and the Itsekiri people of Delta State, were present at the meeting.
According to the communiqué, signed by Chief Sola Ebiseni, Secretary-General of Afenifere, and Justice Faloye, National Publicity Secretary, Oba Olaitan will lead the group in an acting capacity until Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s final burial. The statement read: “The meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new Leader of Afenifere. He will function as acting leader until the final burial rites of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, after which he will assume the office as substantive leader.”
Oba Oladipo Olaitan is a seasoned legal practitioner and political figure with decades of experience in governance and leadership. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971, he served as Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande and was a member of the Lagos State Executive Council from 1979 to 1983. He was elected as a Member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, where he served as the Leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the National Assembly. A dedicated member of Afenifere for over 45 years, he previously held key positions, including National Financial Secretary under Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaitan reaffirmed his commitment to Afenifere’s core principles, including advocacy for restructuring and true federalism. He emphasized the need for unity within the organization and pledged to uphold the group’s long-standing vision for a just and equitable Nigeria.
During the meeting, Afenifere expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the country. The group particularly condemned the recent kidnapping of a young man, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, whose ordeal has been widely shared on social media. The communiqué urged the governments of Ondo and Kogi States— the regions surrounding the area where the abduction reportedly occurred— to take immediate action to secure his release. “The meeting called on the relevant security agencies to act without further delay and ensure the rescue and safety of the young man.”
Afenifere members paid glowing tributes to the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing his contributions to nation-building as monumental. The group commended his children and family for their resilience in handling the overwhelming number of mourners who continue to visit his residences in Lekki, Lagos, and Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State.
The meeting was attended by several prominent Yoruba leaders, including Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Senator Gbenga Kaka, former Ogun State Deputy Governor Pekun Awobona, Chief Tola Mobolurin, Tokunbo Ajasin, Engr. Bayo Adenekan, Hon. Leke Mabinuori, Olayemi Olajuyinu, Olu Pessu, and Chief Olusegun Olawoyin.
Oba Oladipo Olaitan’s appointment marks a new chapter in Afenifere’s leadership as the group continues its advocacy for a restructured and progressive Nigeria. His vast experience and long-standing dedication to the organization position him as a key figure in shaping Yoruba and national political discourse in the coming years. With security challenges escalating and calls for true federalism growing louder, all eyes will be on Afenifere’s new leader as he steers the group through these critical times.
