Afenifere, Yoruba Elders May Merge
By Deji Elumoye
Afenifere, the socio-political organisation of the Yoruba and the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), may fuse into one formidable organisation at the end of tomorrow's scheduled meeting between the two bodies in Oyo State.
An indication to this effect was given in Lagos yesterday by the Administrative Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, in a telephone conversation with our reporter on tomorrow's meeting between the leaders of the two organisations.
He said top on the agenda of the meeting slated for 11.00a.m. at the Ibadan residence of YCE leader, Pa Emmanuel Alayande, is the merger of the two organisations into one body.
"Tuesday's meeting, will among others, consider the possibility of both Afenifere and YCE coming together to form one organisation that will be very formidable," he said.
The meeting, which is the first formal meeting between the two bodies, he added, will also consider having a pact of understanding "which will henceforth guide the workings of the organisations."
According to him, the major concern now is to get the two organisations firmly rooted "so that they can continue to be relevant in the scheme of things."
Odumakin said the meeting would afford the two bodies the opportunity to resolve their differences and chart a better way forward for the Yoruba.
"The Ibadan meeting will create a platform for all Yoruba to speak with one voice on issues and happenings in the society.
"The meeting will also look at the role of the Yoruba in the political dispensation pre 2007," he added.
He was, however, specific that tomorrow's meeting was not called by Yoruba leaders to screen any candidate for the presidency come 2007.
"All I know is that the meeting will be discussing issues that affect the Yoruba race and not to consider any candidate for the presidency or any office for that matter in 2007."
Odumakin added that Afenifere decision to attend tomorrow's meeting with YCE was taken earlier this month at its monthly meeting at the Ijebu Igbo residence of its leader, Senator Abraham Adesanya "where a unanimous decision was reached for us to work harmoniously with YCE."
Odumakin said that tomorrow's meeting would have taken place in December, 2003 "but for the death of the secretary of YCE, Pa Adewale Thompson."
"Afenifere leader, Pa Adesanya was approached by YCE leaders for a meeting on December 23, 2003 but on the eve of the meeting, the YCE scribe, Pa Thompson took ill and never recovered from the illness.
"During the burial programme of Pa Thompson, Pa Alayande said the window already opened between Afenifere and YCE should not be shut. After the burial, YCE wrote Afenifere thanking it as well as stressing the need for the two organisations to meet," he added.
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