Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, in conjunction with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has embarked on a reconciliation initiative to address the rift within the organization.
As discussions intensify regarding the forthcoming 2023 general elections, the group’s influential leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Reuben Fasoranti expressed divergent views, emphasising their individual standpoints.
While expressing his endorsement, the nonagenarian Fasoranti threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for the presidency. In contrast, Adebanjo supported Peter Obi from Anambra, representing the Labour Party, stressing the need to ensure fairness by allowing the Igbo community to produce the President.
Since then, Afenifere has experienced a state of disagreement, with conflicting messages and a notable lack of cohesion within the group.
Despite the existing impasse, it was learned that Governor Seyi Makinde is actively partnering with Afenifere to seek a resolution to the internal conflict.
Sources indicate that a closed-door gathering for the purpose of reconciliation was organized at the University of Ibadan Hotel in Ibadan, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
At the time of reporting, comprehensive information about the closed-door meeting was still limited. It was discovered that the meeting primarily addressed the unity of the Yoruba nation and specifically aimed to strengthen cohesion within the Afenifere organization.
Governor Makinde, during his conversation with journalists, made it clear that the meeting he attended was centered on the important task of reconciling the two factional leaders of Afenifere.
Read also: Afenifere: Adebanjo Fully Remains Our Acting Leader – Fasoranti
Calling for reconciliation, Governor Makinde appealed to the two leaders in conflict to set aside their grievances and focus on the shared objectives of regional growth and solidarity.
Makinde said, ‘Well, we’re all aware of the issues between our two leaders and the leaders of Afenifere, Adebanjo, and Fasoranti. Partisan issues and elections have come and gone, and now we’re talking about the unity of the Yoruba race. And these frontline leaders of Afenifere thought it fit to come together and start the process of seeking unity in Yorubaland.’
‘We are starting with our two leaders to make sure that they come together, and we know that once they come together, we will also have the desired unity in Yorubaland.’
‘Whenever Yorubaland is united, Nigeria is united, and whenever you have issues and challenges in Yorubaland, they usually spiral into other parts of Nigeria. So, this is to demonstrate my support for the steps that are being taken and also to let them know that I’m committed to the unity of Yorubaland.’
Governor Makinde has noted a clear recognition of the essentiality of calling a meeting to address the protracted dispute within Afenifere, affirming that unity is an indispensable element for the overall growth of the region and the entire country.