Efforts are underway to reconcile the National Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and his predecessor, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, within the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who was present at the meeting, confirmed that the discussion primarily revolved around fostering unity between the two leaders.
While specific details of the closed-door meeting were not disclosed, the focus was on promoting the unity of the Yoruba nation and ensuring the cohesion of Afenifere.
Governor Makinde appealed to both leaders to set aside their differences, emphasizing the significance of Yoruba unity over political affiliations.
It is worth noting that Pa Adebanjo supported Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election, while Fasoranti endorsed President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
Makinde words: “We’re all aware of the issues between our two leaders, and leaders of Afenifere, Baba Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
“Partisan issues and elections have come and gone and now we’re talking about the unity of the Yoruba race.
“And these frontline leaders of Afenifere, thought it fit to come together and start the process of seeking unity in Yorubaland.
“Starting with our two leaders to make sure that they come together and we know that once they come together we will also have the desired unity in Yorubaland.
“And if you put it in proper perspective, whenever Yorubaland is united, Nigeria is united and whenever you have issues and challenges in Yorubaland, it usually spirals into other parts of Nigeria so, this is to demonstrate my support for the steps that are being taken and also to let them know that I’m committed to unity in Yorubaland.
“Once you tie the knot at the appropriate places, every other thing will fall in place.
“Once they see the two Babas come together, we won’t even need to appeal to the people because, at that time, you won’t have to talk much, people would have seen that the two leaders are now back together.”
