Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti succumbs to pressure and withdraws his resignation

AFENIFERE leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti has withdrawn his letter of resignation and pledged to remain the head of the pan-Yoruba organisation after being pressurised by the membership to reconsider his decision to quit.

 

Earlier this week, Chief Fasoranti announced that he was stepping down as Afenifere leader, citing old age among other reasons for his resignation from office. His announcement sparked a flurry of activity about who would replace him but given the confusion the while incidence has caused, Afenifere members have prevailed on Chief Fasoranti to stay around for a bit longer.

 

At a meeting held in his residence in Ijapo, near Akure, the Ondo State capital yesterday, Chief Fasoranti withdrew his resignation which he sent to members of the group. It is believed that Afenifere leaders had a hectic time before they could convince Chief Fasoranti to withdraw his resignation.

 

Afenifere national publicity secretary Yinka Odumakin, said the Akure meeting was attended by the Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Sehinde Arogboofa, Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Supo Sonibare, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Tunde Akogun and others. He added that after exhaustive deliberations, leaders and members of the organisation rejected the decision of Chief Fasoranti to step aside.

 

According to Mr Odumakin, delegates at the meeting unanimously agreed that Chief Fasoranti should continue as the leader of the organisation and the octogenarian agreed to tarry on for a while longer. He stated that the entire members of Afenifere appreciated the good works done by Chief Fasoranti and wanted him to continue with his service to the Yoruba nation.

 

Mr Odumakin added: “We rejected the resignation of Baba and pleaded with him to continue. He agreed to continue as our leader at the end of the day and this is a good development for Afenifere and Yoruba nation at large. 

 

"Afenifere appreciates the good works Pa Fasoranti is doing for the Yoruba race even at his age. He is a man of wisdom and principle who has contributed greatly to the unity and development of Yoruba land.”

 

He declared that there was no crisis in Afenifere, maintaining that the organisation is united, adding that anybody who is looking for crisis to erupt should look elsewhere. According to Mr Odumakin, the group has not relented from his call for true federalism and autonomy for the Yoruba region.