The National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II on attaining 50 years on earth. Fasoranti, described the foremost monarch as the “physical and visible symbol of the progenitor of Yoruba people”.
Senator (Dr ) Femi Okunrounmu, one of the chieftains and leaders of the organization stated this on Tuesday when he led some chieftains and members of the organization to Ooni’s Palace at Ile-Ife, Osun State.
According to the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, those in the delegation included Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Ogun State Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, General Olu Bajowa (rtd), HRM, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, Obaro of Kabba, Kogi State, HRH, Oba Adeniyi Ogunbiyi, Akire of Epe, HRH, Oba Adebayo Adewole, Owa Ajero of Ijero, among others.
The nonanegarian traced the origin of not just the Yorubas but also that of Afenifere which took off in 1951.
“As the royal father of our race, you know that the House of Oduduwa is central to the aspirations and wellbeing of Yoruba people. That was why, when leaders of the Yoruba people were taking the definitive decisions to rid our land of British rule, they came to Ile-Ife to receive blessings and validation”.
Reiterating that the visit of “our leaders to this very palace in 1951, is the origin of Afenifere that we still have till today”, Fasoranti declared that the “blessings our leaders received here is still potent and valid till today”.
He went further to say that it “is right and proper that we come to celebrate with our royal father, the Ooni of Ife, to renew the bond of old and to confirm that Afenifere remains faithful to its original tenets”.
To demonstrate how the pan-Yoruba organization is re-dedicating itself to its core mandate, it abrogated the offices of Acting Leader and Deputy Leader earlier this year and set up Afenifere Elders Caucus.
Praising Ooni for “preserving and promoting the culture and tradition of our ancestors”, Fasoranti prayed for the royal father for a longer life and the needed wherewithal to project our fatherland further.
The Afenifere leader said that the organization is “conscious of the challenging times our citizens are passing through”. He was however quick to note the efforts being made by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to address the challenges.
He did not end his speech without expressing appreciation to the National Assembly for passing the South West Development Commission (SWDC) Bill and expressed the hope that the Commission will take off soon to tackle the infrastructural challenges that the South West is facing.
While commending the federal government on the renewed effort at completing the rehabilitation of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Afenifere Leader called on the government to give urgent attention to some other major roads in the South West. Roads mentioned included Ife-Akure, Akure-Owo, Ado-Ekiti-Ilesa, Ibadan-Ogbomoso-Ilorin, Ibadan-Abeokuta among others.
Responding, the elated celebrant, Oba Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, expressed profound appreciation to Afenifere delegation. He said that he was particularly delighted and felt ‘highly honoured that the leadership of the foremost Yoruba organization thought it fit to come and visit him on occasion of his 50th birthday.
“I feel highly honoured. Today will remain as one of my most memorable days.”
He stated that at 50, he thanked the Almighty God and expressed his renewed determination to serve Yorubaland more.
The Arole Oodua urged Afenifere leaders not to leave the President alone.
“I understand that you visited him recently. Do not be far from him as you need to be giving him necessary advice and support from time to time”.
Oonirisa thereafter prayed for Nigeria, the President, Yorubaland and for Afenifere.
Others in the delegation were Chief Korede Duyile, Ondo State Chairman of Afenifere, Abagun Kole Omololu, National Organizing Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Dare Babarinsa, Dr. Akin Onigbinde, SAN, Afenifere Legal Adviser, Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, Mr. Laolu Abogunloko, Chief Deji Wellington, Lagos State Chairman of Afenifere, Mr. Eric Oluwole, Honourable Ayo Joel, Afenifere, Kwara State and HRH, Oba Olusogo of Ijesa, Mr. Olayiwola Popoola and Comrade Segun Famogbiyele.
Others were Comrade (Dr.) Niyi Osoba, Chairman, Afenifere, Ogun State, Mr. Rauf Fayomi, Ms. Marvelous and Mrs Lucia Alake, Mrs. R. O. Fasugba, Mr. Aderemi Olayiwola, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief Bayo Fajemilua, Prince Adedapo Abiola, Mr. Akinnusi Inioluwa and Comrade Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere.
