Presidential candidate f the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Afenifere crisis: Yoruba group calls Tinubu ‘a perennial divider-in-chief’
Yoruba youth socio-economic group, the Southwest Renaissance Group, has called the Al Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the 2023 General Election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over his role in the leadership crisis rocking the Afenifere.
It would be recalled that following a visit to the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in his Akure, Ondo State country home, after which a purported statement affirming the latter’s endorsement of the APC politician emerged contrary to the official position of the group, a major split had crept into the Yoruba body of leaders as some pitched their tents with Tinubu, while others stayed with Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the deputy leader of the platform, who on his part had endorsed the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, on behalf of the association on the grounds of equity, fairness and national interest.
However, later, Pa Fasoranti denied endorsing Tinubu, while also announcing stepping down as head of the Afenifere, as he officially handed over to acting leader Pa Adebanjo.
Fasoranti, who is 95 years old, disclosed during the group’s monthly meeting in Akure, Ondo State, last week, that it is appropriate for him to yield ground for a more youthful and energetic person after 13 years in the saddle, as he named former Deputy Leader, Pa Adebanjo, as the new Acting National Leader, while the former Financial Secretary, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Alaago of Kajola Ago, will serve as the new deputy leader.
In the heat of the crisis over his endorsement of Tinubu, Pa Fasoranti further clarified that he was misinterpreted in the media on the issue between himself and the acting leader of the group, Pa Adebanjo, adding that he never stopped the latter from being the acting leader of the group.
Confirming he clarification in a statement issued last Thursday through his Personal Assistant, Mr Adedapo Abiola, in Akure, Pa Fasoranti said some section of the media’s report was untrue on the matter, as he maintained that he never endorsed Tinubu contrary to the group’s earlier position.
Reacting to the leadership crisis rocking the Afenefere, the Southwest Renaissance Group, in a statement signed by its convener, Hon. Olaitan Abdul Salam, Saturday, called Tinubu ‘a perennial divider-in-chief’ and ‘a constant divider of brethren.’
The group further warned Yoruba people to be wary about giving their support to the former Lagos State governor in next year’s election.
“We are not surprised by what is currently playing out, we know him too well as a constant divider of brethren.
“In 2002, this same Bola Tinubu divided Afenifere to achieve his second term ambition as Lagos governor.
“He divided the Yoruba Council of Elders in 2015 to control the Yoruba nation, and he has again divided Afenifere because of his 2023 presidential ambition.”
“To rise up and save our land, we must rescue our land from this perennial divider-in-chief and ensure that the Yoruba intreat in Nigeria’s politics should not be driven by ethnicity but the basic credential of electing a president who qualifies for an Omoluabi,” read the statement in parts.
