Afenifere scraps Adebanjo’s role as acting leader, forms elders caucus

Afenifere, pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has scrapped the roles of acting leader and deputy acting leader within the group. 

Ayo Adebanjo was the acting leader of the group.

In a communique issued at the end of its general meeting which held in Akure, Ondo state capital on Wednesday, Afenifere said the move was “to reposition and rejuvenate” the group.

The group said the responsibilities and authority of advising Afenifere are now vested in the Afenifere Elders Caucus, made up of 21 members.

“The position of acting leader and deputy leader have now been abrogated,” the group said.

Reubed Fasoranti was named the chairman of the elders caucus.

Other members include Ayo Adebanjo; Olu Falae; C O Adebayo; Femi Okunrounmu; Seinde Arogbofa; Kofo Bucknor Akerele; Ayo Ladigbolu; Alani Akinrinade; Olu Bajowa; Bolaji Akinyemi; Banji Akintoye; and S A J Ibikunle.

Others are Femi Aluko; Prince Alonge; Yomi Finnih; Prince Olusi; Korede Duyile; Ropo Sekoni; Lekan Alabi; and Kunle Olajide.

Afenifere also condoled with the people of Oyo over the explosion that occured in the state and the people of Plateau over the attack on their communities by bandits.

The group noted the need to rework the security architecture of the country to ensure that Nigerians are able to live and move about without the fear of being kidnapped or harassed in any way.

“Such reworking should include giving states and local government councils that so desire to establish own police services with all the requisite powers to function as such,” the group said.

“Doing so would check, if not totally stop, the incidences of kidnapping and sundry banditry now ravaging the land.

“The unfortunate blast in Ibadan clearly underscores the need to allow the federating units in the country to control mineral resources in their respective areas with particular reference to mining and exploration.

“The reasoning behind this was that had it been that states were in control of mining for instance, Oyo state government was likely to know how explosives were being moved around.

“Such would have made last week’s horrendous blast that claimed many lives, traumatized hundreds of people and destroyed properties running into Billions of Naira would have been prevented.”

Afenifere also called on President Bola Tinubu to set in motion the process of restructuring Nigeria, saying “the time is NOW”.

The group also urged the federal government to take steps that would strengthen the value of the naira, reduce costs of energy (fuel in particular) through local production of petroleum products as well as ensure regular supply of electricity.