By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The President of the Middle Belt Forum of Nigeria, Dr. Bittus Pogu, on behalf of the ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt, has heartily congratulated Oba Oladipo Olaitan on his emergence as the new leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group.
Dr. Pogu also commended the Afenifere family for the peaceful and seamless selection of Oba Olaitan, reflecting their dedication to unity and the preservation of the group’s values.
The Forum’, in statement by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat Thursday therefore expressed confidence that Oba Olaitan’ will keep the long-standing agreements of the Middle Belt and Southern Leadership Forum in its collective pursuit on Nigerian leadership rotation and other matters, especially a restructured Nigerian state and a constitution.
“I have known Oba Oladipo Olaitan as a committed and dedicated member of Afenifere, serving diligently as the deputy to the late great Chief Ayo Adebanjo, despite his revered position as a Royal Father,” Dr. Pogu remarked.
“I am confident that under his leadership, he will uphold the long-standing understandings and agreements of the Middle Belt and Southern Leadership Forum in our collective pursuit on Nigerian leadership rotation and other matters, especially a restructured Nigerian state and a constitution — one that guarantees a more productive, secure, free, and progressive nation, delivering on the aspirations of all its citizens,” he added.
While the Middle Belt Forum continues to mourn the passage of Chief Ayo Adebanjo — a principled and selfless leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s progress remain indelible, “We share in the optimism that Oba Olaitan’s leadership will sustain the strong legacy of Afenifere in championing the well-being of the Yoruba nation and a better Nigeria.
“Congratulations once again, Kabiyesi. Be assured of the unwavering friendship, cooperation, and solidarity of the Middle Belt Forum as we continue this shared journey for a better Nigeria,” Dr. Pogu concluded.
