A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has dismissed a recent statement issued by individuals claiming to represent the organisation in the United Kingdom and the United States, stating that those behind it were expelled from the group over two years ago.
PUNCH Online reports that two groups, under the platform of the United Kingdom and the United States of America chapters of Afenifere, on Saturday, in a statement by the chairmen of the groups, Babatunde Shianaba (UK), and Dr Durojaiye Akindutire (US), and made available to our correspondent in Akure, Ondo State, rejected the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the association’s leader.
However, in a statement jointly signed by the Secretary for the Diaspora, Adebayo Adenekan, and the National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Afenifere discredited the claims made in the publication and sought to set the record straight.
The statement partly read, “The attention of Afenifere has been drawn to a statement issued by some people masquerading as members of Afenifere in the UK and the US.
“For the records, those who signed the statement were expelled from Afenifere more than two years ago and do not represent Afenifere in the US and the UK.
“Though it is obvious from the crude and uncouth language of the publication, that such a statement could never emanate from any branch of Afenifere in the diaspora, yet it is important to set the record straight.”
The group also clarified the legitimate leadership of its diaspora branches, stating that the recognised chairmen and secretaries in both the US and UK remain respected members of Afenifere.
“The chairman and Secretary of Afenifere in the USA are Prof. Sikiru Fadairo and Mr. David Adenekan. The chairman and Secretary of Afenifere in the UK are Mr. Seyi Adefisan and Prof. Seun Kolade.
“These are respected and polished men leading Afenifere in the US and the UK Diaspora.
“Any statement from the Afenifere Diaspora in the US or UK not signed by either of the above should be discountenanced”, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group added.
Addressing attacks on its leader, Olaitan, Afenifere condemned the allegations, stressing that his leadership position was meritoriously earned.
“The diatribe launched on the person of the Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, demonstrates the depth of ignorance and the laziness of those who signed that statement.
“More than three years ago, Oba Olaitan was appointed a substantive deputy leader of Afenifere by Pa Fasoranti, the former leader of Afenifere, and he performed creditably under the late Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
“Since when can a man be a deputy leader but is precluded from being a Leader? If these political jobbers who signed the offending statement, are just suggesting that Oba Olaitan is not qualified to be leader, then they question Pa Fasoranti’s competence in his appointments – something they are far too low to do. This also shows that they are fake officers of Afenifere”, the group further stated.
The organisation called on the public to disregard any statements issued by individuals previously expelled from the group, asserting that their claims were baseless and motivated by personal interests.
“We urge the public to consign any statement signed by Dr Durojaiye Akindutire and Engr Babatunde Shinaba to the dustbin because the contents of such statement are not worth the value of the paper. They represent their devotion to the politics of the stomach and lack of integrity”, it concluded.
