In a communique issued at the end of a meeting of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere led by late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, held at the late leader’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State on Tuesday, the group has announced its former deputy leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, as its new leader.
The replacement came a few days after the death of Chief Adebanjo, who passed away at the age of 96.
The communique was made available by the Secretary General of the group, Chief Sola Ebiseni, in Akure, Ondo State.
Oba Olaitan would function as the leader of the group in an acting capacity till after the final burial of Chief Adebanjo, when he would assume the office as a substantive Afenifere leader.
The communique reads: “Meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new leader of Afenifere. He has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years serving in various capacities including the National Financial Secretary under the leadership of Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
“Oba Olaitan will function as the leader in acting capacity till after the final burial of Papa Ayo Adebanjo when he will assume the office as substantive leader.
“Afenifere decried the worsening security situation in the country. Members received reports of a young man, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, the videos of whose ordeal, in the den of kidnappers have been on social media for almost a week.
“The meeting called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi States around which 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.”
State of origin and age of the new Afenifere leader have not been disclosed at this time.