Emeritus leader of Afenifere Pa Reuben Fasoranti has said that Ayo Adebanjo remains the acting leader.
His comments followed reports alleging he stripped Adebanjo of the role and moved the group’s meetings away from the latter’s residence.
The organisation has been plunged into a cold war since Fasoranti endorsed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu on Sunday in the absence of Adebanjo.
Afenifere under Adebanjo had endorsed the candidacy of Peter Obi.
In a statement on Thursday, Fasoranti’s personal assistant Adedapo Abiola said the nonagenarian is concerned about the interest of the Yoruba.
“It has come to Papa R.F. Fasoranti’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,” the statement said.
“I have Papa’s permission to announce that he didn’t say that Chief Ayo Adebanjo is no longer the acting leader of Afenifere or 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. It is hoped that this information will be adequately circulated.”
