The tension generated by the sudden resignation of the National leader of the Pan- Yoruba Group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti over the weekend has ended with the withdrawal of the letter by the elder statesman.
At an emergency meeting of the group held at the Ijapo residence of Chief Fasoranti, members prevailed on him to withdraw his resignation.
They vehemently rejected the resignation letter maintaining that Chief Fasoranti had performed creditably in running the affairs of the group.
The meeting, which lasted for almost six hours, had prominent members of the organization, including Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state in attendance.
Other notable leaders of Afenifere who attended the meeting and pravailed on Fasoranti to withdraw his resignation were Chiefs Ayo Adebanjo, Olu Falae, Seinde Arogbofa and Supo Sonibare, among others.
The prominent Yoruba Leaders appealed to Fasoranti to continue with his service for the Yoruba nation and the country at large.
However, sources at the meeting said it took hours before Fasoranti could be convinced to withdraw the resignation.
Governor Mimiko, who arrived the venue at 11.00 am, waited till the meeting ended about 4pm.
A source at the meeting hinted that the leaders of Afenifere had a hectic time before they could convince Fasoranti to withdraw his resignation.
It was earlier rumoured that a new leader might emerge after yesterday meeting, but a new development came with the decision of Chief Fasoranti to continue leading the group.
The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin, who briefed reporters at the end of the meeting, said the organization rejected Fasoranti’s resignation after an exhaustive deliberation which lasted for hours.
According to him, “the leaders of the organization at the meeting unanimously agreed that Fasoranti should continue as the leader of the organization, and the elder statesman agreed”.
Odumakin said the entire members of Afenifere appreciated the good works done by Fasoranti since he took the mantle of leadership of the group and want him to continue with his service to the Yoruba nation.
He said, “we rejected the resignation of Baba and pleaded with him to continue. He agreed to continue as our leader at the end of the day, and this is a good development for Afenifere and Yoruba nation at large
“Afenifere appreciates the good works Pa Fasoranti is doing for the Yoruba race even at his age. He is a man of wisdom and principle who has contributed greatly to the unity and development of Yoruba land.
“Fasoranti remains the Leader of Afenifere following the withdrawal of his resignation. He has also promised to ensure the relaunch of Afenifere in Nigeria.”
He maintained that “the organization is united”, adding that “there is no crisis in Afenifere and the house of Oduduwa is united.”
It was, however, observed that the meeting was not fully attended by members like in the past. .
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