Abagun Omololu, the National Organising Secretary of [Afenifere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afenifere), told Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday that the organisation’s future remains “fantastic” despite the recent death of its long‑time leader, the late [Reuben Fasoranti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuben_Fasoranti). He added that anyone still making noise on the sidelines is merely “crying in a cloud of cuckoo land.”
**What triggered the split within Afenifere before the 2023 election?**
In the run‑up to the 2023 general election, the acting leader, the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, threw his support behind Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, while the substantive leader, Fasoranti, backed incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress. Omololu described the episode as “an unfortunate period” that had never occurred in Yorubaland’s history.
**How does Omololu view Fasoranti’s legacy?**
He said Fasoranti embodied humility and public‑service sacrifice. “He graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1951, a time when very few Nigerians held degrees,” Omololu recalled. Fasoranti joined the Action Group of the late [Obafemi Awolowo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obafemi_Awolowo) at age 25, working alongside luminaries such as Professor Aluko and Professor Aboyade‑Cole.
**Why did Fasoranti decline the governorship of Ondo State?**
According to Omololu, Fasoranti turned down the offer because he did not wish to assume the role without a spouse after the death of his wife. The post eventually went to Baba Adefarati. Omololu highlighted this decision as evidence of Fasoranti’s commitment to personal integrity over political ambition.
**What does “Awoism” mean for Afenifere’s mission?**
Omololu explained that Fasoranti’s philosophy was rooted in “Awoism,” an egalitarian outlook that prioritises the welfare of the less‑privileged while allowing the affluent to prosper. He said this ethos has long defined Afenifere’s stance as a “welfarist” movement, echoing Awolowo’s original vision.
In summary, Omololu remains optimistic that Afenifere will continue to champion Yoruba interests under new leadership, dismissing dissenters as disconnected from reality. He concluded that the era of Baba Adebanjo is over and that the organisation’s next chapter will be guided by the principles Fasoranti championed throughout his life.