The Diamond Group, a think-tank founded by the former Executive Governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; and the late Prof Muftau Femi Agbalajobi, have congratulated Oba Oladipo Olaitan on his elevation as the Acting Leader of the Committee of Afenifere.
  
The group described Oba Olaitan’s assumption of leadership as a significant development in the Yoruba nation’s quest for self-determination and progress and urged him to reach out to all splinter groups and bring the vibrant and influential group together, ensuring that Afenifere remained a strong voice in the Yoruba nation.
  
The group expressed confidence that Oba Olaitan had the necessary experience and wherewithal to lead Afenifere to greater heights, and wished him a peaceful and successful tenure as the acting leader of the organisation.
  
In a statement, yesterday, signed by the Chairman, Prof Abisogun Olabode Leigh, and the Organising/Publicity Secretary, Alagba Afolayan Adebiyi, the Diamond Group described Oba Olaitan as a “foremost cerebral, effervescent, dynamic and committed member” of the group.
  
The statement noted that Oba Olaitan’s elevation to the apex leadership of Afenifere was a testament to his dedication and commitment to the ideals of the Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, and expressed confidence that Oba Olaitan would bring his wealth of experience and leadership skills to bear in his new role.
  
The group condoled with Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of the committee of Afenifere, and the entire family and friends of the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

MEANWHILE, Afenifere has said there is no vacuum in its leadership.  When contacted on the reported announcement of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as a new leader of Afenifere, the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, declared that there was no vacuum in the leadership of Afenifere. 
  
He said: “It is a known fact that the national leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, is still very much around. He is not only hale and hearty, he is providing the requisite leadership – to the glory of God.
  
“In a situation where there is no vacuum, how do you talk of filling a vacancy that does not exist?”  The Afenifere spokesman added that the organisation was still mourning the demise of one of its highly respected leaders, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and said the focus of the organisation at the moment was on having a befitting burial for its erstwhile acting leader, Chief Adebanjo.