Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo , on Sunday described the meeting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu held with some Yoruba leaders at the Akure residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti earlier in the day as diversionary.
He asserted that those who are the ‘authentic Afenifere members’ had earlier endorsed the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi noting that this had since remained the position of the Yoruba socio-cultural group with regard to the upcoming presidential election.
Tinubu is the APC presidential candidate.
The meeting held at Fasoranti’s residence on Sunday was according to Adebanjo designed to make him be on a collision course with the nonagenarian. Adebanjo however declared that he would remain undaunted.
Tinubu had met with Pa Fasoranti and others and used the opportunity to present his 80-page manifesto to them.
The meeting that was held at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti had Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Professor Isaac Adewole, Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, retired General Alani Akinrinade, retired General Olu Bajowa, Mr Sola Iji, Dr Kunle Olajide, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, a one-time governor of Kwara state, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, APC National Secretary, former Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Bisi Akande, Dare Babarinsa, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Deputy governor of Oyo state, Bayo Lawal, deputy governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Chief Segun Adesegun, former Senator Tony Adefuye and former Senator Dayo Adeyeye as attendees.
.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned Adebanjo disclosed that Fasoranti had a telephone conversation with him on Saturday adding that he had however warned the nonagenarian against the idea of endorsing Tinubu.
‘The Yoruba People know their leaders. I’ve spoken, the National Secretary has spoken. This is not the time to engage in polemics. The way forward is my position.
What happened was diversionary. They want us to engage in arguments. Is that the issue now? he asked.
Adebanjo added that in the interest of fairness and justice, the South East should be allowed to produce Nigeria’s next President.
‘Can he (Tinubu) deny it that the South-West has not had its turn? Can he deny it that South-South has not had its turn? They should answer that. As far as I am concerned, the meeting does not concern us as Afenifere.
Afenifere is not divided. That was why I said I don’t want to engage in polemics. They want to throw a wedge between me and Pa Reuben Fasoranti and I won’t allow it. The man telephoned me yesterday and I warned him, don’t get yourself involved’ he said.
Adebanjo also called attendees of the Akure meeting ‘Yoruba APC chieftains’- Team@orientactualmags.com
Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
