Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has assured that the two leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, will be re-united in the interest of Yorubaland.
He gave the assurance when he attended a meeting of frontline leaders of thought in the pan-Yoruba group, held at the University of Ibadan, today.
The governor stated that he remained committed to the process of ensuring peace, unity and progress of Yorubaland.
The governor, who spoke shortly after the meeting was held, declared that some frontline leaders in Afenifere decided to resolve the differences between the two leaders of the group, Pa Fasoranti and Pa Adebanjo.
He stated, with the general election out of the way, it was time to begin the process of fostering unity in Yorubaland.
He noted that he and the other leaders of thought in the Afenifere were assured that once the two leaders come together, Yorubaland and Nigeria would have the desired unity.
Makinde said the process would be speedy, adding: “We are all aware of the issues between our two Afenifere leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
“Basically, partisan and election issues have come and gone and we are now talking about the unity of Yoruba race.
“So, these frontline leaders thought it fit to come together to start the process of seeking for unity in Yorubaland.
“And we know that once our two babas come together, we will also have the deserved unity in Nigeria.
“If you put it in proper perspective, whenever Yorubaland is united, Nigeria is united, and whenever we have issues and challenges in Yorubaland, it usually spirals into other parts of Nigeria.
“So, my being here is to demonstrate my support for the steps I have been taking and to also let them know that I am committed to seeking for peace in Yorubaland.
“I can tell you that it is not something that we will procrastinate on. We will get to work immediately and I am sure that we will get the desired result within the shortest possible time.”
“Once you tie the knot at the appropriate places, every other thing will fall in place. Once our people see the two leaders come together and talk, they will be the ones to appeal to the people.
“At that time, you won’t have to talk much because people would have seen that the leaders are now back together,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Afenifere leaders, including Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere Organising Secretary; Mr. Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary; and Chief Eric Oluwole (Ondo).
Also in attendance were Mr. Dare Babarinsa (Ekiti); Chief Korede Duyile; Chief Leke Mabinuori; Rt. Hon. Bakkita Olufowobi Bello and Chief Diran Adesua.
Others included Afenifere leaders in Oyo State, such as Dr. Gbola Adetunji (chairman); Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN); Chief Babatunde Tijani and Chief Mrs. Bola Doherty.
