The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has appointed Oba Oladipo Olaitan as its new leader following the passing of its former leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo. The announcement was made during the group’s monthly general meeting held at the country home of the late leader in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Delegates from the six South-West states, Kogi, Kwara, and the Itsekiri community of Delta State attended the meeting, which also addressed the worsening security situation in Nigeria and paid tribute to the late Chief Adebanjo.
Oba Oladipo Olaitan, a seasoned lawyer and former political adviser to the late Governor Lateef Jakande of Lagos State, was unanimously approved as the new leader following recommendations from the National Caucus. Oba Olaitan, who has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years, previously served as National Financial Secretary under Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaitan pledged to uphold the ideals of Afenifere, emphasizing his commitment to restructuring, true federalism, and the unity of the organization. “I commit myself to the ideals of Afenifere as a socio-political organization and an unrelenting advocate of restructuring and true federalism. I will ensure the unity of the organization,” he said.
Oba Olaitan will serve in an acting capacity until the final burial of Chief Adebanjo, after which he will assume the role substantively.
The meeting began with delegates formally acknowledging the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who died recently. The late leader was celebrated for his immense contributions to nation-building, with glowing tributes pouring in from across Nigeria and beyond.
“The Meeting proudly acknowledged the enviable contributions of our late Leader to nation-building as reflected by the glowing tributes in his memory from all walks of life within Nigeria and the world over,” read a communique issued at the end of the meeting.
Delegates also commiserated with the Adebanjo family, applauding them for their gracious handling of the large number of visitors who have thronged the family’s residences in Lekki, Lagos, and Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, to pay their respects.
Afenifere also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the country, particularly the kidnapping of Prince Eniola Ojajuni, whose ordeal in the hands of kidnappers has been widely circulated on social media for nearly a week.
The group called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi States, as well as relevant security agencies, to act swiftly to ensure Ojajuni’s rescue and safety. “The Meeting called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi States, around whose common boundaries the kidnapping was reported to have taken place, and the relevant security agencies to act without further delay and ensure the rescue and safety of the young man,” the communique stated.
The meeting was attended by prominent Afenifere members, including Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Senator Gbenga Kaka (former Deputy Governor of Ogun State), Chief Tola Mobolurin, Tokunbo Ajasin, and Engr. Bayo Adenekan, among others.
