Afenifere faction appoints Oladipo Olaitan as new leader

A faction of Afenifere has appointed Oladipo Olaitan, an ex-political adviser to Lateef Jakande, a former Lagos governor, as its new leader.

His appointment followed recommendations of the body’s national caucus on the heels of the passing of Ayo Adebanjo, its leader, who died on February 14, 2025.

In a statement, Sola Ebiseni, the secretary general of the Afenifere faction, said Olaitan, a lawyer, was a member of the Lagos state executive council between 1979 and 1983.

He said Olaitan has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years and served in various capacities, including national financial secretary under the leadership of Reuben Fasoranti, and deputy leader under Adebanjo.

Ebiseni said Olaitan would serve as leader in acting capacity until after the funeral of 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,” the statement reads.

“The meeting considered the recommendations of the national caucus and approved the appointment of Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the new Leader of Afenifere.

“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 1979 – 1983; elected Member House of Representatives and Leader of AD in the House 1999 – 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.”

In his acceptance speech, the new leader said he is committed to the ideals of Afenifere as a socio-political organisation and unrelenting advocate of restructuring and true federalism.