A Diasporan group operating under the auspices of One- man Mopol political movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2023 has charged Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the Pan-Yoruba Socio-cultural group, Afenifere, to be circumspect in his choice of Presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.
The group in a statement on Friday Texas, USA by its convener, Hon. Segun Olaleye contended that Afenifere might lose its hard earned reputation among the rank and file of Yoruba if it persists with this type of unpopular decision.
The elder statesman sometimes in October issued a statement to drum support for the Labour Party(LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi.
This action did not go down with the overwhelming majority of Yoruba who are routing for the candidature of Asiwaju-Shettima of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2023 Presidential Contest.
‘It is highest level of letdown and discomfiture that we view the recent purported endorsement of Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party by Chief Ayo Adebanjo for the Presidency in the 2023 election. His arguments for the support of Mr Obi apart from lacking in logic smacks of an attempt to betray the cause of Yoruba race. One find it difficult to fathom any reasonable reason for this hasty decision to support a candidate of other race when in actual fact the Yoruba race has a more qualified and popular candidate in the person of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in its fold’
“What is even of great concern and worry to us is the potential dictatorial approach of Chief Ayo Adebanjo in arriving at the unpopular decision of supporting Peter Obi. We make bold to ask for the attendees and prominent Yoruba leaders that attended the Ijebu meeting where the Obi decision was taken. At least, we have prominent Yoruba leaders present at Pa Reuben Fasoranti endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu candidacy in Akure. Names like the Retired Methodist Bishop, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Professor Isaac Adewole, Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Gbenga Kunle Olajide, General Secretary of Yoruba Council of Elders, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Bisi Akande, Dare Babarinsa, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, a PDP Governor.
“Others were Chief Segun Adesegun,, representing former Governor Segun Osoba, Senator Tony Adefuye, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, State leaders of Afenifere, Apagun Kole Omololu, former Minister Musiliu Obanikoro, the Minister of state , Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye, and the former Minister of state , Niger Delta, Chief Tayo Alasoadura and former governorship aspirant of the party, chief Olusola Oke.”
The group contended Adebanjo is forcing his personal opinion as representing the larger Yoruba opinion.
“What is even more worrisome is the speed and open desperation of Chief Ayo Adebanjo in lording this Obidient project on the Yorubas even when other prominent national ethnic groups like Ohaneze and Arewa consultative forum have not made any commitment to any candidate yet.’
“Let us also reiterate our full support for the Akure meeting which was timely conveyed to right the wrong of Pa Adebajo ignoble pronouncement by Pa Fasoranti. The calibre and pedigree at the Akure meeting are pointers to the quality of decisions reached which in all honesty reflects the true yearnings of an average Yoruba man.”
The Diasporan group also warned of dire consequences on the image and continuos existence if the Afenifere leadership continue with this unpopular decisions and actions.
It added: “We are afraid, this type of unpopular decisions are capable of tearing the fabric of unity and vibrancy in the pan Yoruba group’
“Hon. Segun Olaleye himself, a two – time Honourable member of the Oyo State House of assembly and President of the National Association of Nigerian Students during his University days indicates the readiness of his group to mobilize global support for the Tinubu-Shettima presidential ticket and also facilitate the journey of 1,000, 000 strong voting army from diasporal for the around the globe to the country for the 2023 Presidential Poll.
” We make it bold to say that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket will command our global attention and commitment. We will mobilize and work assiduously for the success of the ticket. We are also planning the mobilisation of over 1million voters across the globe to come home and vote for the APC Presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential election.”
