Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti has blessed Hon. Diran Iyantan and expressed his well wishes for his governorship ambition.
Iyantan, a brother to the departed former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Barrister Afolabi Iyantan, and a former Federal Commissioner at the National Population Commission, NPC, is aspiring to fly the flag of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.
A statement from Iyantan’s campaign organisation said that the elder statesman gave his blessing during a courtesy visit by Iyantan to him in his Akure home.
Also, the elder statesman reportedly “took the opportunity to eulogize Iyantan’s father, Pa T.O Iyantan, as one of the pillars of the Yoruba Social-Political cultural group – Afenifere.”
According to the statement: “Pa T.O Iyantan’s contributions to Afenifere, which represents the interests of the Yoruba race worldwide, were acknowledged and celebrated.”
The visit on the elder statesman at his Akure home was to inform him of Iyantan’s intention to contest the forthcoming governorship election in the state and seek his blessings for the upcoming APC gubernatorial primary.
The visit was reportedly marked by “great interest and excitement, with notable dignitaries such as Chief Korede Duyile, Chairman of the Ondo State Afenifere, in attendance.”
According to the statement: “Chief Duyile, who was delighted to see Hon. Diran Iyantan, highlighted the significance of his father’s role as one of the elders of the Afenifere group. This connection further strengthens Iyantan’s candidacy for the governorship seat of Ondo State.
“During the meeting, Chief Reuben Fasoranti blessed Hon. Diran Iyantan and expressed his well wishes for his gubernatorial race.
“He also took the opportunity to eulogize Iyantan’s father, Pa T.O Iyantan, as one of the pillars of the Yoruba Social-Political cultural group – Afenifere. Pa T.O Iyantan’s contributions to Afenifere, which represents the interests of the Yoruba race worldwide, were acknowledged and celebrated.”
It said: “Hon. Diran Iyantan, in his address, expressed his commitment to restoring brotherliness and the leadership position of Afenifere as the overall umbrella body for the Yoruba race.
“He emphasized the power and prestige that Afenifere held as the mouthpiece of the Yoruba race, speaking with one voice on issues affecting their people. Iyantan pledged to deepen this unity and solidarity during his tenure as the Governor of Ondo State.
“The meeting concluded with a special blessing and prayer from Chief Reuben Fasoranti, as Hon. Diran Iyantan embarked on the journey of formally declaring his candidacy through a Town Hall declaration in Akure, Ondo State capital.
“This declaration marks the beginning of his campaign for the number one seat and position as Governor of Ondo State in the upcoming November 2024 governorship election.
“Hon. Diran Iyantan’s visit to Chief Reuben Fasoranti signifies his respect for the Afenifere leader and his commitment to the principles and values upheld by the Yoruba Socio-Political organisation group.
“As the governorship race in Ondo State unfolds, Hon. Diran Iyantan aims to carry forward the legacy of his father and that of his late brother, Afolabi Iyantan who served as Deputy Governor to late Governor Adebayo Adefarati by contributing to the progress and development of the state.”
