Elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti has stepped down from his position as the National Leader of the Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere.
Pa Fasoranti, aged 95 years disclosed this during the group’s monthly meeting at his residence in Akure, Ondo State capital.
The nonagenarian named the former deputy leader of the group,93-year-old Chief Ayo Adebanjo as the acting national leader.
Former Financial Secretary of the group, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Alaago of Kajola Ago, Atakumosa East Council Area, Ilesa, Osun State was named as the group’s deputy leader.
Pa Fasoranti disclosed that the decision to step down as the leader of Afenifere was due to the fact that there was a need to improve organisation and combat invasion of culture.
He said his age won’t enable him to accomplish such, only an active leadership can.
“The group needs more than ever before to have an improved organisation with a more effective approach to combat the monstrous invasion of our culture and pride as a people.
“Only a more alike and active leadership can achieve this. At 95 I am hardly able to provide such and so it is time for me to step aside.
“At this junction, I am proud to announce Chief Ayo Adebanjo a politician of the Awolowo school of thought as Acting leader”, he added.
Afenifere was formed as a socio-cultural organization for the Yoruba people of Nigeria, with Chief Abraham Adesanya as its leader and Chief Bola Ige as deputy leader.
Other founding members were Pa Onasanya, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Adegbonmire, Okurounmu Femi, Ganiyu Dawodu, Olanihun Ajayi, Olu Falae, Adebayo Adefarati, Alhaji Adeyemo and Ayo Adebanjo.
When the Alliance for Democracy (AD) political party was formed in 1998, it took the Afenifere agenda as its official manifesto
