Oba Oladipo Olaitan Appointed as New Afenifere Leader

Oba Oladipo Olaitan has been appointed as the new leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, following the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

The decision was made during the group’s monthly general meeting held at Adebanjo’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

Oba Olaitan, who has been a member of Afenifere for over 45 years, previously served as the National Financial Secretary under Chief Reuben Fasoranti and as Deputy Leader under Chief Ayo Adebanjo. He will function as the acting leader until after Adebanjo’s final burial, at which point he will assume the role of substantive leader.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaitan committed to upholding Afenifere’s ideals as a socio-political organization and reaffirmed his dedication to restructuring and true federalism. He also emphasized his intention to ensure the unity of the organization.

Oba Olaitan’s extensive background includes being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971, serving as a Political Adviser to Governor Lateef Jakande, and being a member of the Lagos State Executive Council from 1979 to 1983. He was also elected as a Member of the House of Representatives and served as the Leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the House from 1999 to 2003.

The meeting where Oba Olaitan’s appointment was ratified was attended by delegates from the six South-West states, as well as Kogi, Kwara, and the Itsekiri of Delta State. The group also used the occasion to formally acknowledge the contributions of the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo to nation-building, as reflected in the widespread tributes following his passing.