Don cautions Afenifere leaders against division over politics
Prof. Sunday Akindele, a political scientist at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, has advised leaders of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, not to be divided over split support for political candidates.
"It is time for Yoruba leaders to truly come together and speak with one voice," Akindele said.
The political scientist spoke on the phone in response to the group's division and the pronouncements and counter-pronouncements from the group's emeritus leader and elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, and the current leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, regarding dualistic support for presidential candidates and the election outcome.
While the Adebanjo faction of Afenifere backed Labour Party governorship candidate Peter Obi and believed he won the February 25 presidential election, the Fasoranti faction backed All Progressives Congress standard bearer Bola Tinubu and supported Tinubu's victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Akindele said, “These our leaders have the advantage of longevity, then they should allow us to benefit from it rather than causing the crisis.”
"In terms of leadership legitimacy, I believe Pa Fasoranti's pronouncement is more legitimate, and he is more representative of the Yoruba in terms of leadership by Afenifere," the don said.
"Fasoranti understands what the Yoruba people want, and he understands how Yoruba should be positioned within Nigeria's sphere and political landscape."
"We (Yoruba) should learn our lesson without assigning blame." We should stop fanning the flames of discord with Afenifere's dualistic pronouncements.
"Yoruba people should come together without undermining Nigeria's unity."
“Coming together to really make sure that your position is formidable and that you are not treated the way you are not supposed to be treated by your tenants,” the don said.
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