Afenifere Reconciliation Welcome Development — Mimiko

• Yusuf Oketola

A former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has said the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political Association, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, was committed to returning unity to the association.

Mimiko was in the reconciliation committee set up by the Afenifere in the last meeting of the group, held at the Fasoranti’s residence, in Akure, on Wednesday.

He commended Chief Fasoranti for seeking ways to bring back unity to the group.

The former governor said, “We cannot run away from the fact that there have been some misunderstandings within the organisation and Baba who is the leader of the group has decided to set up a committee to ensure that Afenifere remains United, and for us to get committed to our core mandate which has been the vanguard interest of the Yoruba people.

“I think it is a good thing, it says a lot about the wisdom and humility of Baba Fasaranti. We are excited about his position.

“He (Chief Fasoranti) says he wants to leave a legacy of united Afenifere. He emphasised it in his speech, and for us it is exciting.

“If there is anybody in Afenifere who is not talking peace and unity he is not talking the heart and soul of Baba Fasaranti.”

On whether the other faction would embrace the move, Mimiko said

“I don’t know but Baba has said we should spare no effort to ensure that Afenifere is united and strong.”