The news of stepping down of Chief Reuben Fasoranti as Leader of Afenifere today, Tuesday, 16th March, 2021, came as a surprise to everyone because this has never happened in the history of Afenifere.
I was inaundated with calls, texts and posts during the Afenifere meeting shortly after Pa Reuben Fasoranti took the historic decision, from the Press, seeking my humble comment as President – General of Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, who had worked with the Leadership of Afenifere since 1999 till date, but I reserved my comment pending my confirmation of this strange story.
I later reached out to Chief Reuben Fasoranti and this rumour suddenly became a reality while the meeting was still on.
From his explanation, One could perfectly understand that he left the stage when the Oviation was loudest for the 2 reasons, One is old age, 95 years, and in addition to that he said, “development became necessary as the Group needs a more than ever before to have an improved Organisation with a more effective approach to combat monstrous invasion of our culture and pride as a people”.
Yoruba adage goes, “Aja Iwoyi l’omo Ehoro Iwoyi le” or “Aso Igba, ni a nda fun Igba”. Meaning, “The new age Dog is the best March for the modern Rabbit” or “Time dictates the style of Cloth”.
Your ever peaceful administration since 2008 will forever be remembered for good by everybody and it is on this note, we are congratulating you and your Successor, the Acting Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and urging him to follow your path so as to greatly improve the performance of the Group.
This Observation was confirmed in September 23, 2019 during our annual celebration of Yoruba National day at Dr Nelson Mandela Freedom Square, Osogbo, where we bestowed on you our beautifully carved Odu’a (Ori – Olokun) Award, as “Baba Eto Ti Ile Odu’a”.
This is in line with our well researched logo, “Omode Gbon, Agba Gbon, ….”
We wish both of you, as well as the brand new Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaita, the Alaago of Kajola Ago, Atakumosa East Council Area, Osun State, best of luck in your respective future endeavours, as we, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, continue to monitor events in Yorubaland.
Odu’a a gbewa o!
Comrade AWA Bamij
Aare Apapo (President – General)
Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba
(Grand Council of Yoruba Youths)
