Adebanjo still acting leader, Afenifere meeting venue not changed, says Fasonranti

The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, has said that he was misinterpreted in the media on the issue between himself and the acting leader of the group, Ayo Adebanjo.

Fasoranti said he never stopped Adebanjo from being the acting leader of the group.

A crisis hit the group after Pa Fasoranti on Sunday endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, while Adebanjo had earlier declared support for the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, on behalf of the association.

In a statement on Thursday by his Personal Assistant, Mr Adedapo Abiola, in Akure, Fasoranti said some section of the media quoted him out of context.

The statement read, “It has come to Papa Reuben Fasonranti’s knowledge that some sections of the media, especially the social media, have been ascribing to him false statements designed to cause confusion and polarise Afenifere.

“I have Papa’s permission to say that he has not said Chief Ayo Adebanjo is no longer the acting leader of Afenifere nor that all future Afenifere meetings should henceforth be held at his residence in Akure.

“Papa’s main concern is the interest of the Yoruba in the complex political situation in Nigeria. It is also his concern that Afenifere should survive in dignity and remain a purveyor of the interest of the Yoruba race.”