The speculation that the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a chieftain of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, will bring an end to the crisis rocking the foremost Yoruba group has been thwarted.

The development followed the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the acting leader of the organisation by the follower of the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

The appointment of Olaitan was disclosed in a communiqué issued after the monthly general meeting held at the country home of Chief Ayo Adebanjo in Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State.

Adebanjo, who was relieved of his acting status as Afenifere leader by the national leader of the frontline Yoruba group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, died a few days ago at the age of 96.

In the communiqué signed by Chief Sola Ebiseni, the Secretary-General and Justice Faloye, National Publicity Secretary, hailed the contributions of Chief Adebanjo in nation-building “as reflected by the glowing tributes in his memory from all walks of life within Nigeria and the world over.”

According to the group, Oba Olaitan, a deputy leader, will assume the substantive leader after the burial of the late Chief Adebanjo.

“Meeting considered the recommendations of the National Caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new Leader of Afenifere,” Ebiseni said.

“Oba Olaitan was called to the Nigerian Bar as a lawyer in 1971, a political adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande and a member of the Lagos State Executive Council from 1979 to 1983; elected member of the House of Representatives and leader of the AD in the House from 1999 to 2003. He has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years, serving in various capacities, including the National Financial Secretary under the leadership of Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

“Oba Olaitan will function as the leader in acting capacity till after the final burial of Papa Ayo Adebanjo, when he will assume the office as substantive leader.

“In his acceptance speech, the new leader committed himself to the ideals of Afenifere as a social-political organisation and unrelenting advocate of restructuring and true federalism, adding that he would ensure the unity of the organization,” he added.

Meanwhile, the group decried the worsening security situation in the country, particularly the increase in kidnap cases in the country

“Members received reports of a young man, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, the videos of whose ordeal, in the den of kidnappers, have been on social media for almost a week.

“The Meeting called on the governments of Ondo and Kogi States around which common boundaries the kidnapping was reported to have taken place and the relevant security agencies to act without further delay and ensure the rescue and safety of the young man.

“Delegates in attendance include the leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; Senator Femi Okunrounmu; Senator Gbenga Kaka; former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Pekun Awobona; Chief Tola Mobolurin; Tokunbo Ajasin; Engr. Bayo Adenekan; Hon Leke Mabinuori; Olayemi Olajuyinu; Olu Pessu; Chief Olusegun Olawoyin.” (The Guardian)