Afenifere has passed a vote of confidence in the Pa Ayo Adebanjo leadership of the sociopolitical organisation.

This is just as the group affirmed Oba Oladipo Olaitan as deputy leader of the organisation.

At the meeting of the organisation held at the Isanya Ogbo residence of Pa Ayo Adebanjo on Tuesday, the motion for a vote of confidence was moved by leader of Afenifere in Oyo State, Dr Gbola Adetunji and this was seconded by Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde. The meeting presided over by the Afenifere deputy leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, also had in attendance Afenifere stalwarts that included Chief Sola Ebiseni, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, Chief Supo Shonibare, Chief Bolajoko Doherty and Mr Dele Farotimi.

In their various remarks, members in attendance appreciated the continuing leadership of the group by Pa Ayo Adebanjo as they offered prayers for his good health of mind and body

About a week ago, it would be recalled, that in a meeting held at the house of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the Afenifere abrogated the position of acting leader and deputy leader and set up a 21-member elders’ committee.

Specifically, the Akure meeting abolished the position of acting leader and deputy leader currently occupied by Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Oba Oladipo Olaitan respectively.

In a communique read by the national publicity secretary of the group, Mr Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said the decision was taken as a result of the recent development which had led to division among the leaders of the group.

He stated that the motion for the abrogation of the positions was moved by Dr J. Ibikunle and seconded by Dr. Niyi Ikuomelo.

He added: “The responsibilities and authority of advising the Leader of Afenifere and Asiwaju Yoruba are now vested in the Afenifere Elders Caucus which is hereby constituted.”

Members of the Elders Caucus constituted included Pa Fasoranti as chairman.

Other members of the caucus announced were: Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Oba Olu Falae, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Senator Femi Okunrounmu and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa.

Others include a Senator Kofo Bucknor Akerele, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade, Major General Olu Bajowa (retd), Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Banji Akintoye, Otunba Dr. S.A. J. Ibikunle, Chief Femi Aluko, Prince Alonge, Dr. Yomi Finnih, Prince Olusi, Mr Korede Duyile, Prof Ropo Sekoni, Mr Lekan Alabi and Dr Kunle Olajide.

But Tuesday’s meeting at Ayo Adebanjo’s residence also saw the Afenifere say it was incensed by the acts of criminality, terrorism in the South-West lately, with the murder of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State being the latest.

The group urged governors of states in the South-West to greatly equip the Amotekun such that they have an arsenal of weaponry that is even more than those criminals ravaging the zone.

This is just as Afenifere said it was expedient for Yoruba people to rise to defend themselves against incursion by criminals.

The group reiterated its call on the need for restructuring of the nation, enactment of a new constitution and multi-level policing.

Afenifere held that the 2014 Confab report should serve as template for the drafting of a new constitution.

Oba Oladipo Olaitan, who presided over the meeting, also announced Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s approval of Mr Alade Rotimi-John as Afenifere deputy secretary-general and Mr Justice Faloye as deputy national publicity secretary of the group.

The list of attendees drawn across the six states of the South-West, Kwara, also included Chief Olatunde Onakoya, Prince Adesina Bashorun, Mr Olutola Mobolarin, Chief Pekun Awobona, Chief Segun Ojo, Pa Olubajo Akinsanya, Dr Bisi Olawunmi, Mr Apete Wakilu, Mr Niyi Quadri and Mr. Adedokun Waheed. (Nigerian Tribune)

•PHOTO: From left, General Secretary Afenifere, Barrister Sola Ebiseni, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Deputy Leader of Afenifere, His Royal Highness Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Chief Supo Shonibare, Mrs. Oluremi Bola Nike, Chief Gboyega Kaka and Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo during the general monthly meeting of the Afenifere held at Pa Ayo Adebanjo residence, Ijebu Ogbo, Ogun State. Photo: Yemi Funso-Oke

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