The political landscape of Nigeria, particularly among the Yoruba ethnic group, has witnessed the dynamic interplay of powerful individuals.
Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Pa Ayo Adebanjo are two of them who have long been acknowledged for their contributions to the formation of the political system. A seasoned politician and well-respected elder, Chief Reuben Fasoranti has a long history of serving the Yoruba people. Fasoranti, a former head of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, has been instrumental in promoting Yoruba interests inside the Nigerian federation.
In Yoruba politics, on the other hand, Pa Ayo Adebanjo is a highly respected person with a long history. Adebanjo, who is well-known for his candour and steadfast dedication to the ideals of justice and equity, has played a significant role in a number of political organisations and organisations that have influenced Yoruba politics. Chief Reuben Fasoranti, a seasoned politician and elder statesman, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
His support for Bola Tinubu is a sign that he values Tinubu’s political savvy and leadership abilities. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and a significant player in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has exhibited great leadership abilities and a dedication to achieving positive change in the country. Chief Reuben Fasoranti’s support of Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential contest is significant because of his dedication to improving Nigeria and his political clout.
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The endorsement emphasises how crucial leadership, experience, and a common goal are to a cohesive and wealthy country.
As the political environment unfolds, it would be interesting to monitor how Chief Fasoranti’s support contributes to the shaping of the 2023 presidential race and the future trajectory of Nigeria.
The Yoruba people are anxiously following the tale as it develops, hoping that the conflict between Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Pa Ayo Adebanjo will be resolved. Regardless of the cause of their disagreements, the result would surely affect Yoruba politics and the community’s position within the greater Nigerian political system.
See below for the press release.
PRESS RELEASE
The attention of the Leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, OFR, and other leaders of the apex Yoruba body has been drawn to a communiqué purportedly released in the name of Afenifere by the General Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, where Afenifere is said to fault the Supreme Court judgement upholding Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s election as the President of Nigeria. This is far from the truth about Afenifere’s leadership position on the matter.
Let it be on record that Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, OFR, and other Afenifere leaders are not privy to such an ignominious press release, did not authorise it, and do not subscribe to the seditious act such may portend. It is merely an unfortunate misadventure of some Labour Party elements within the Afenifere fold who would rather drag the body’s reputation into the mud to achieve whatever sinister and seditious end they might have concocted.
The world will recall that the Leader of Afenifere himself, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, OFR, congratulated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on his election into office and also expressed solidarity over his victory at the apex court. It is then clearly underhanded and mischievous to have such a preposterous attack on the judiciary by intemperate elements within the fold, fanning the embers of national discord with political motives, using the name of Afenifere.
We are unequivocal in reiterating that Pa Ayo Adebanjo is the Acting Leader, who, in the natural and traditional order of Afenifere, is expected to defer to his leader, who appointed him, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, OFR, without reservations. To do otherwise is to tread such an ignoble path in national discourse, as this unfortunate release reveals.
The meeting recently held in Ogbo Ijebu at no point raised or decided on the attack on the judiciary, as the statements of the General Secretary seemed to portray. The leaders of Afenifere would like to challenge Chief Ebiseni to offer the world the true record of deliberations at the said meeting to confirm its concurrence with the communique he so released to the world.
Afenifere believes that it is time for real governance beyond the politics that the judiciary has sealed with the Supreme Court judgement. We look forward to good governance from the federal, state, and local governments and are prepared to offer constructive feedback, counsel, and criticism in the quest for a better Nigeria and a prosperous nation with viable federating entities.
The ethos and structure of Afenifere vest the leadership authority in the leader as the Olori Ebi, until such time that he joins his forebears, notwithstanding whoever he has chosen to act on his behalf. Pa Adebanjo has an acting capacity; hence, finality rests with the leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, OFR. Lai ku egiri, enikan o gbodo fi awo e se gbedu.
