Guardian Nigeria
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has dismissed the rumour making the rounds that its leader, Ayo Adebanjo, is dead.
According to the mainstream Yoruba group, Adebanjo, who is alive, hale and hearty, presided over a meeting of the organisation at the weekend.
In a statement, the Secretary-General of the group, Sola Ebiseni, said the rumoured death of the 96-year-old leader might not be unconnected with the death of the 90-year-old former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Banjo, who died on Friday.
Ebiseni said: “The attention of Afenifere, the apex Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, has been drawn to a statement making the rounds, particularly in the media, that our leader, Ayo Adebanjo, is dead.
“Afenifere wishes to say that Ayo Adebanjo, whose 96th birthday was celebrated recently, is alive, hale and hearty.”
“As a matter of fact, Baba presided over a meeting until very late Saturday night, where he received a report from a committee of the organisation led by Balogun Akin Osuntokun and other eminent Yoruba personalities.
“It is, however, not unlikely that the rumoured death might not have been a mistaken identity for another distinguished Yoruba son and former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Banjo, whose death at the age of 90 years was reported on Friday.
“Afenifere wishes to thank numerous Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora who have made several calls concerning this unintended mix-up for their demonstrated love and goodwill.”
