Group seeks support for Adebanjo as new Afenifere leader

A group of Yoruba elders, under the aegis of the Yoruba Global Alliance (YG), led by emeritus Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Dr. Amos Akingba, have urged Yoruba people at home and in the Diaspora to rally round and support Pa Ayo Adebanjo, following his assumption of office as the national leader of Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere.

In a congratulatory message, yesterday, signed by YG Secretary-General, Prof. Anthony Kila, after an emergency meeting of the YG Leaders Council chaired by veteran journalist and Yoruba nationalist leader, Chief Tola Adeniyi, the group expressed joy at the emergence of Adebanjo as the new Yoruba leader.

The group said that Afenifere, being the pioneer Yoruba group in the history of Nigeria, has remained the most consistent and most disciplined Yoruba group over the past 70 years and noted that it was a privilege for all those alive to witness the ascension of Adebanjo, a true and genuine Awoist with a track record of struggle, sacrifice and success, as Afenifere leader. 

“In all his life, Pa Adebanjo has never jostled for a position or sought cheap popularity. Rather, he has always worked hard, sticking to principles and ideals without compromise and remaining consistent even when those ideas and principles appear unpopular with many.

“He is a trustworthy man that never ran away, never gave up, and never pretended to be what he was not,” the statement read in part. 

The leaders, therefore, urged Yoruba people at home and abroad to use Adebanjo as a reference and benchmark of leadership and be wary of fake, self-serving, and self-proclaimed leaders.

They stressed the need to work with leaders with a track record of consistency and verifiable landmark achievements.

The group said it remained indebted to Pa Reuben Fasoranti for leading the Yoruba nation thus far, and asked God to grant him longer life and robust health in his retirement.