Fasoranti accuses Afenifere members of disloyalty, resigns

Some members of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, have been accused of disloyalty.
Because this disloyalty is causing division within the 64-year-old group, its chairman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has resigned.
The resignation is with immediate effect.
Pa Fasoranti announced his decision in a statement he personally signed on Sunday.
His resignation letter has been sent to the Secretary-General of the organisation, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa. Copies were also sent to Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Supo Sonibare and all state Chairmen of Afenifere.
It reads: “Our organisation, Afenifere was formed in 1951 under the leadership of our leader; Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The organisation was formed to serve as an umbrella to be used to actualize the dream of a great nation and the Yoruba race.
“Over the years, Yorubas have tried to focus on a common goal. Chief Awolowo tried to ensure the oneness of our people with a lot of efforts notwithstanding the challenges he faced in the process. Unfortunately, he passed on without actualising this dream.
“I joined Afenifere from inception with the following leaders of our race, Pa Onasanya, Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Sam Sonibare, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire and so on.
“The mantle of leadership fell on the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin and subsequently Pa Adesanya and then my humble self. As events have been unfolding in the past few years, the focus and goals of the founding fathers of our great organization ‘Afenifere’ were gradually eroded.
“This, therefore, made it a herculian task for our members to work in unity. Several efforts were made to ensure the actualisation of Afenifere goals, but it appeared that we have not succeeded in achieving this. This is basically due to reasons best known to our members individually.
“Let me state clearly that the issue of adoption of the National Confab report had always been the focus and goal of our people in Afenifere, even long before the National Confab was set up. The support of a leader who promised to implement this report was, therefore, not a mistake and inevitable despite all public insinuations.
“Considering my age, efforts and selfless dedication to my country, my state (Ondo), my political parties, my past leaders and my members in Afenifere both in Nigeria and in diaspora, I hereby wish to inform you all that I have decided to step aside as leader of our great organization Afenifere.”