News Investigators/ The Diamond Group, the think-thank of former Executive Governor of Lagos State, late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and late Prof. Muftau Agbalajobi, has urged Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Acting Leader of the Pan- Yoruba Socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, to prioritise unity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Afenifere group led by late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, on Tuesday, unveiled Olaitan as his successor.
The group, in a statement on Wednesday jointly signed by its Chairman, Prof. Abisogun Leigh and Mr Afolayan Adebiyi, the Publicity Secretary, described Olaitan as a well-bred democrat and a committed progressive.
“As you assume the leadership of the Awolowo Progressives Family, we enjoin you to reach out to all the splinter groups and bring the vibrant and influential group.
“This is an opportunity for you to write your name in gold in the annals of Yoruba nation by ensuring you wake up all the sleeping structures who were part of the group, and make it the voice of the Yoruba nation once again.
“Afenifere cannot afford to remain at the background and should not by whatever circumstances remain docile in the scheme of things.
“We are convinced that you have the necessary experience and the wherewithal to achieve this,” the group said.
The body described Olaitan’s selection “as a perfect opportunity to elevate the group to the mainstream of activities in Yoruba nation and the country as a whole”.
The group noted the impact of the new acting leader of Afenifere “on the roundly successful administration of Jakande, first as Security Adviser and later Political Adviser at a youthful age”.
The duo said that Olaitan’s dynamic and active participation at the Federal House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, where he was the Minority Leader, would remain indelible.
According to the group, with the elevation, the new Afenifere leader is stepping into the larger than life shoes once worn by some of the best leaders the Yoruba nation has ever produced.
It listed the leaders to include late Adekunle Ajasin, late Abraham Adesanya, late Bola Ige and late Ayo Adebanjo.
The group said that by joining those titans and legends who had at one time or the other led the committee, Olaitan had a lot of responsibilities.
“It is not a tea party, rather, it is a call to service in the best ethos of the Committee of Afenifere.
“However, we believe in your ability and capacity to fill the role perfectly.
“Olaitan is well grounded in “the credo and ethos of our Patriarch, the late Sage, Pa Obafemi Awolowo (SAN, GCFR).
“These are service to man and humanity. You well espoused these virtues and ideals. We are proud of this.”
The group said that it had no doubt that the spirit behind the formation of the committee of Afenifere was deep seated and well-rooted in Oba Olaitan.
It added: “His participation in the political activities and processes in Lagos since 1978 can well testify to this.
“His impact on the roundly successful administration of our patriarch, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, first as Security Adviser and later Political Adviser at a youthful age are well noted.
“We are glad that one of us is being recognized for his contribution to the Apex body of the core Awoist Movement in Yorubaland.”
The group condoled Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Leader of the Committee of Afenifere and the entire family and friends of late Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
NAN
