When serving a notice of resignation as a frontline leader of Afenifere, Pan- Yoruba socio-political body, Pa Reuben Fasoranti did not mince word in stating that the unity and oneness of Yoruba people which the body seeks to achieve since the days of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is a mirage because the focus and goal of the founding fathers of the organization were being eroded. AGBOOLA BAYO who has been watching the unfolding events with keen interest examines how Fasoranti’s exit will affect the political relevance of Afenifere.
The voice of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization called Afenifere was formed in 1951 under the leadership of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to serve as a platform on which the people of Yoruba in South west Nigeria hope to actualise the dream of the Yoruba race.
It shot into major limelight in the 1990’s when it used to be the place of wisdom especially after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election presumed to be won by Late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
The development led to the formation of pressure groups including the then defunct NADECO which could best be referred to as an affiliation of Afenifere as most of its members openly associated themselves with Afenifere in the struggle to get the military out of power for a democratically elected government.
Afenifere could best be said to be at the peak of its popularity under the leadership of the former governor of old Ondo state, Late Chief Michael AdekunleAjasin when it dictated the tune of the nation’s political scenario particularly in Yorubaland.
During the time of Pa Ajasin, Afenifere laid firm grip on both political and society norms in the entire Yoruba speaking states as whoever cares to be relevant or wants to hold any political position in Yorubaland have to pass through Afenifere or be treated as a leper among his Yoruba kinsmen. No wonder, in the days of formation of new political parties under the General Abubakar Abdusalami regime, Afenifere played prominent role in the formation of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) which won overwhelmingly all the elections in the South west states during the 1999 general elections.
Chief Abraham Adesanya took over the mantle of Afenifere leadership after the demise of Chief Ajasin with the pan Yoruba group continuing to wax stronger in dictating the political tune in Yorubaland with the AD governors regularly rendering account of their stewardship to the Afenifere.
However, the dominance of Afenifere suffered major setback in 2003 when the Alliance for Democracy lost four of its five states to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) resulting in most of the politicians romancing the group calling it a day with Afenifere after which a seemingly parallel group, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) was formed.
The death of Pa Abraham Adesanya in April, 2008 led to the emergence of Chief Reuben Fasoranti who until his resignation on Sunday, November1 steer the leadership of Pan Yoruba socio-political organisation amidst various challenges that militated against its sustainace of its age long popularity.
Chief Reuben Fasoranti
While resigning his appointment from the leadership of the group said “as events have been unfolding in the past few years, the focus and goals of the founding fathers of the greatorgansation ‘Afenifere’ were gradually eroding”.
Pa Fasoranti in a statement he personally signed and addressed to the Secretary of the organisation, Chief SeindeArogbofa and other officers wasted no time in insisting that there will be no going back in his notice of resignation as Afenifere leader with immediate effect.
“Over the years, Yorubas have tried to focus on a common goal. Chief Awolowo tried to ensure the oneness of our people with a lot of efforts notwithstanding the challenges he faced in the process. Unfortunately, he passed on without actualising this dream,” Chief Fasoranti said.
According to him, he joined Afenifere from inception with leaders of Yoruba race including Pa Onasanya, Alhaji Ganiyu Daodu, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olanihun Ajayi, Chief Sam Sonibare, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire among others.
Pa Fasoranti lamented that as events have been unfolding in the past few years, the focus and goals of the founding fathers of the great organsation ‘Afenifere’ were gradually eroding, adding, “this therefore made it herculean task for our members to work in unity”.
“Several efforts were made to ensure the actualisation of the Afenifere goals, but it appeared that we have not succeeded in achieving this. This is basically due to reasons best known to our members individually”.
He however made case for the adoption of the National Conference report despite his resignation, saying, “Let me state clearly that the issue of adoption of the National Conference report had always been the focus and goal of our people in Afenifere even long before the National Conference was set up. The support of a leader who promised to implement this report was therefore not a mistake and inevitable despite all public insinuations.
“Considering my age, efforts and selfless dedication to my country, my state (Ondo), my political parties, my past leaders and my members in Afenifere both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, I hereby wish to inform you all that I have decided to step aside as leader of our great organisationAfenifere”.
With the resignation of Pa Fasoranti as the Afenifereleader,the future of the group in the Yorubaland particularly in the political arena will surely be negatively affected considering the major reason giving by Pa Fasoranti for his resignation that “ the focus and goals of the founding fathers of the great organsation ‘Afenifere’ were gradually eroding”.
Though there are prominent Afenifere leaders like Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir OlanihunA jayi, Chief Olu Falae in the house, the organization may be subjected into undue opposition from others Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation in Yorubaland particularly those presently seeking political relevance in Yorubaland.
Also, the seemingly dwindling fortune of Afenifere may possibly affect the Yorubarace in its quest to be speaking with one voice in the midst of the present change mantra in Nigeria.