The Daily Crucible
Former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Otunba Lateef Owoyemi has called on the Yoruba nation to support and encourage the new leadership of the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo in order to succeed beyond expectations in his assignment.
The leader of the Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, had on Tuesday announced the appointmrnt of Chief Ayo Adebanjo as the new leader in acting capacity.
Pa Fasoranti also appointed Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Alaago of Kajola Ago in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun State as Deputy leader.
The nonagenarian cited his old age and the need for improved organisation with a more effective approach to combat the monstrous invasion of the region's culture and pride as reasons for stepping down for Adebanjo.
Some people, however are picking holes in the choice of the Awoist and lawyer who is 93.
But reacting to the development, Owoyemi who hails from Idowa - Ijebu, Ogun State, urged critics that were picking on the age of Adebanjo to cast aspersion on his elevation as the leader of the Yoruba sociocultural organisation to take a look at what has become of the nation since 1999 when the young ones had continued to dominate the legislative arm at the national level and executive arm in most States of the federation.
The octogenarian told The Daily Crucible that Nigerians have tolerated many young legislators and governors in the past 20 years, submitting that "it seems the younger they are, the more needy and greedier" they tended to become.
He recalled that late former governor of Ondo State, Pa Adekunle Ajasin was the oldest of the state governors of his time, but turned out to be the most effective, most admired, most humane and most honest.
The seasoned urged the Yoruba people to rally round Pa Adebanjo, explaining that some positions called for age, wisdom, sagacity and integrity that couldn't be challenged or successfully tempted.
He said:"In my honest opinion, different times and circumstances demand different kinds of leadership. There are some positions which call for age, wisdom, sagacity and integrity that cannot be challenged or successfully tempted.
"Rather than casting aspersions on the choice Afenifere has made of Chief Ayo Adebanjo as the new leader and spokesperson for the Yorubas represented by Afenifere, we should all pray for the success of Chief Ayo Adebanjo and give him all the support and encouragement that he needs to succeed beyond our highest expectations.
"If I recall accurately, Pa Ajasin was the oldest of the State Governors of his time, yet he was the most effective, most admired, most humane and most honest. How many very young and yamayama legislators and governors have we tolerated in Nigeria in the past 20 years ? It seems the younger they are, the more needy and greedier ! "
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