A political scientist at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof. Sunday Akindele, has advised leaders of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, against being divided over split supports for political candidates.
Akindele said that rather, “it is time for Yoruba leaders to really come together and speak with one voice.”
The political scientist spoke on the telephone in reaction to the division in the group and the pronouncements and counter-pronouncements coming from the emeritus leader and elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti and the current leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo over dualistic support for presidential candidates and the outcome of the election.
While the Adebanjo group of Afenifere supported Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Peter Obi and as well believed he won the February 25 presidential election, the Fasoranti group supported All Progressives Congress standard bearer, Bola Tinubu, and stood by Tinubu’s victory as declared by Independent National Electoral Commission.
Akindele said, “These our leaders have the advantage of longevity, then they should allow us to benefit from it rather than causing the crisis.”
The don said, “In terms of the legitimacy of leadership, I think Pa Fasoranti’s pronouncement is more legitimate and he is more representative of the Yoruba in terms of leadership by Afenifere.
“Fasoranti knows what the Yoruba people want, he knows what should be the position of Yoruba within the sphere and political landscape of Nigeria.
“Without apportioning blames, we (Yoruba) should learn our lesson. We should stop to fan the embers of discord in terms of the dualistic pronouncements coming from Afenifere.
“Yoruba people should come together without undermining the unity of Nigeria.
“Coming together to really make sure that your position is formidable and that you are not treated the way you are not supposed to be treated by your tenants,” the don said.
