Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has formally announced the consolidation of its leadership under Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Alaago of Kajola Alago-Ijesha in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun State.
The organisation said the development was intended to strengthen unity within its ranks, honour the legacy of its late elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and reinforce its advocacy for Yoruba interests, true federalism and a restructured Nigeria.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, and Secretary General, Alade Rotimi-John, on Saturday.
Afenifere described the transition as a significant moment in the history of the Yoruba people, calling on its various factions, political actors and younger generations to close ranks behind Olaitan’s leadership.
The organisation also paid tribute to Fasoranti, whom it described as a major figure in the modern political history of the Yoruba and Nigeria.
According to the statement, Fasoranti carried forward the political tradition associated with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Senator Abraham Adesanya, while advocating true federalism, equity, fairness and the advancement of the Yoruba people.
It said his leadership provided Afenifere with what it described as a moral and political compass during periods of national uncertainty.
“With the mantle of leadership shifting in consistent affirmation of Afenifere leadership ethos, the consolidation of this great legacy now rests upon Kabiyesi Oladipo Olaitan,” the organisation said.
Afenifere said Olaitan had, over the years, demonstrated a commitment to the organisation’s interests while also promoting Nigeria’s unity.
It particularly highlighted his experience within the organisation and his ability to balance regional advocacy with the broader need for national cohesion.
Olaitan, a lawyer, has been involved in Afenifere for decades.
He has been involved in Afenifere activities for more than 45 years.
Oba Olaitan, who was called to the Nigerian Bar as a lawyer in 1971, was a Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande and a member of the Lagos State Executive Council between 1979 and 1983.
He was elected Member of the House of Representatives and Leader of AD in the House from 1999 to 2003
In 2021, when Fasoranti stepped down as the organisation’s leader, Olaitan, then the group’s financial secretary, was appointed deputy leader while Ayo Adebanjo became acting leader.
Following Adebanjo’s death in February 2025, a faction of Afenifere announced Olaitan as its leader, initially in an acting capacity.
The development subsequently generated disagreements among different sections of the organisation over its leadership structure.
Olaitan’s traditional position is also well established.
The Osun State Government approved his use of the beaded crown in 2021 as Alaago of Kajola Alago-Ijesha, with the traditional institution located in Kajola, Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun State.
Afenifere, in its latest statement, urged members of the Yoruba community to abandon what it called the politics of bitterness and hatred and unite behind Olaitan.
The organisation said such unity was necessary to address historical injustices and protect Yoruba heritage and interests within a fair and equitable Nigerian society.
It also stressed that Olaitan’s position as a traditional ruler would enable him to approach the leadership responsibility with restraint, wisdom and statesmanship.
According to Afenifere, his royal position should enable him to remain insulated from transient political pressures and treat the leadership role as a responsibility entrusted to him for the protection of the organisation and its people.
The organisation further reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s stability and its longstanding demand for a just, equitable and restructured country.
