Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Omololu, has expressed confidence in the future of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation despite divisions that emerged over political support ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Omololu described those still challenging the organisation’s leadership as living in what he called a “cloud of cuckoo land”, insisting that the era of the late Ayo Adebanjo’s leadership had ended.
Speaking on The Morning Show, an Arise Television programme on Wednesday, Omololu described the disagreement between the late Adebanjo and the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, over their preferred presidential candidates in 2023 as an unfortunate chapter in the organisation’s history.
“It is an unfortunate period that we had before the 2023 election that got the acting leader and the substantive leader backing separate candidates. It’s an unfortunate thing. It had never happened in the history of Yorubaland,” he said.
During the build-up to the 2023 elections, Adebanjo backed Peter Obi of the Labour Party, while Fasoranti supported Bola Tinubu, then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, who subsequently won the election.
The disagreement exposed divisions within Afenifere, with the two leaders taking opposing positions on the presidential contest.
However, Omololu said the organisation remained well-positioned to move forward following Fasoranti’s death, dismissing continued criticism of its leadership.
“The future of Afenifere is fantastic. Somebody came to be appointed a leader. The era of Baba Adebanjo is gone. Whoever that is still making noise on the side, I see it as a cry in a cloud of cuckoo land,” he said.
Omololu Pays Tribute to Fasoranti’s Legacy
Beyond the leadership dispute, Omololu paid tribute to Fasoranti, describing him as a selfless public servant whose political life was shaped by the principles of the late nationalist and statesman, Obafemi Awolowo.
He said Fasoranti’s commitment to public service and personal integrity distinguished him from politicians driven by the pursuit of power.
According to Omololu, Fasoranti graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1951 and joined Awolowo’s Action Group at about the age of 25, working alongside prominent figures including Professor Aluko and Professor Aboyade Cole.
Omololu described the political figures of that era as leaders whose public lives were defined by service rather than personal ambition.
He also recalled an episode in which Fasoranti allegedly declined an opportunity to become governor of Ondo State because he did not wish to remarry after losing his wife.
“The position was presented on the platter of gold to Baba, but he said, no, I cannot be a governor without having a wife, and I’m not ready to marry again,” Omololu said.
He added that the decision paved the way for the emergence of Adebayo Adefarati as governor of Ondo State.
Afenifere and the Awoist Political Tradition
Omololu said Fasoranti embodied Awoism, a political philosophy associated with Awolowo that emphasises social welfare, egalitarianism and support for disadvantaged members of society.
He argued that the late leader’s commitment to these principles was rooted in his personal convictions rather than a desire for political recognition.
“Baba’s life was Awoism. It’s not something where you march to gain political attention. It’s an inborn thing in him,” he said.
Omololu added that Fasoranti believed in building a society where the less privileged received support, describing the philosophy as the foundation of Afenifere’s welfare-oriented political tradition.
The remarks come amid continuing questions about Afenifere’s leadership and political direction following the divisions that became prominent during the 2023 presidential election.
