A factional chief of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has warned towards private ambition within the organisation’s management succession, insisting that its established traditions should information the emergence of leaders.
Olaitan spoke on Sunday throughout a condolence go to to the household of the late Afenifere chief, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.
He described the organisation’s succession course of as “apostolic succession,” arguing that management positions shouldn’t be pursued by campaigns however ought to emerge naturally in keeping with established traditions.
“You don’t vie for it. You don’t campaign for it. It’s an apostolic selection. If you are the deputy, naturally, if the leader goes, you go,” he stated.
The Afenifere chieftain expressed confidence that the organisation would overcome its management challenges, regardless of the potential for inner disagreements and makes an attempt by some members to undermine its established construction.
Olaitan, who stated he had been a member of Afenifere for about 47 years, maintained that the organisation’s institutional historical past and traditions would assist it navigate the present challenges.
He served because the organisation’s nationwide monetary secretary beneath Fasoranti and deputy chief beneath the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, whose dying on February 14, 2025, preceded his emergence as chief of a faction of Afenifere.
He stated his longstanding relationships with the organisation’s previous leaders had given him an intimate understanding of its historical past and values.
“Nobody will tell me the story of this organisation. I had a personal relationship with Baba Awolowo, Baba Ajasin, Adesanya and Baba Ayo Adebanjo. So, I’m not a new person,” he stated.
Olaitan, nonetheless, acknowledged the potential for turbulence inside the Yoruba socio-political institution, warning that greed and the pursuit of private pursuits might threaten unity.
He insisted that the Yoruba individuals understood the excellence between real management and self-proclaimed authority, including that fashionable recognition remained a defining characteristic of reputable management.
The Afenifere chief additionally expressed concern that the exploitation of poverty was influencing individuals’s choices, however maintained that the event wouldn’t completely erode the values and identification of the Yoruba individuals.
Paying tribute to Fasoranti, Olaitan described the late elder statesman as a uncommon chief whose integrity, humility, self-discipline and dedication to service distinguished him.
He stated Fasoranti commanded respect by his character and instance slightly than intimidation, noting that his conduct mirrored the values he anticipated others to uphold.
Olaitan described Fasoranti as truthful, forthright and disciplined, including that the late chief didn’t want to lift his voice to command obedience.
“He was coolness, he was fairness, he was forthrightness, he was pure. He was a strict disciplinarian, but a disciplinarian who did not have to shout to give orders. He did that by example, by what he did,” he stated.
Recounting their private relationship, Olaitan stated Fasoranti constantly demonstrated concern for his welfare, recalling how the elder statesman would phone him after conferences to substantiate that he had arrived house safely in Ilesha.
He stated Fasoranti would typically ask why he was leaving late earlier than subsequently calling to make sure he had arrived safely.
Olaitan additionally recalled Fasoranti’s composure following the dying of his daughter, saying he and different associates had been apprehensive about approaching him to supply condolences however have been shocked by his calm disposition.
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