Only Fasoranti can make appointments into Afenifere — Omololu  

The lingering crisis rocking the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has continued to fester with no end in sight.

With the crisis taking a new twist on Wednesday, the Pa Reuben Fasoranti-led Afenifere frowned at the appointment of Dele Farotimi by the Chief Ayo Adebanjo faction as organising secretary.

At a meeting on Tuesday, chaired by factional Deputy Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, at Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Farotimi was announced as the organising secretary even though the same position is currently being occupied by Abagun Kole Omololu.

While describing Farotimi’s appointment as null and void, Omololu, in a statement made available to The Guardian, stressed that only Fasoranti, who is the recognised and authentic leader of Afenifere, has the legitimacy to make appointments into the organisation.

He said: “It is important to clarify that there is only one authentic Afenifere, which remains under the leadership of Pa. Reuben Fasoranti.

“This body continues to uphold the core values and principles that have guided us since the formation of Afenifere, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the welfare and progress of the Yoruba people and the entire nation.

“While we respect the democratic rights of individuals to organise and associate, the leadership of Pa. Fasoranti is the only legitimate and recognised Afenifere.

“It is imperative that the public is aware of the distinction between the authentic Afenifere and any other groups that may claim the name for political purposes.

“As we continue our work, our focus remains on unity, justice, and the advancement of democratic values. We are committed to collaborating with all those who share these principles, irrespective of factional differences. The future of our region and our country depends on our ability to remain united and focused on the issues that matter most to our people.”