The leader of the topmost body of the Yoruba self-determination struggle, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Prof. Banji Akintoye, has stepped down from his position.

The General Secretary of the group, Tunde Amusat, announced Akintoye’s resignation on Thursday.

In the statement released by the General Secretary, Akintoye is handing over the mantle of leadership to his  former deputy, Prof. Wale Adeniran, quoting old age and a weakened body system as his reasons for stepping down.

According to Amusat, the worldwide congress of Ilana Omo Oodua held on December 17th, 2022 accepted Akintoye’s resignation and affirmed Adeniran as the new leader of the group.

He added that the proposed amendment to the constitution affirming Adeniran’s position as Chairman will be tabled at the next worldwide congress before the end of this year for ratification by registered members.

“Akintoye extolled the principled virtues of Adeniran, commending him for his consistent patience against all forms of blackmail, slanders and defamatory affirmations which had been unleashed against him in the past by those he (Akintoye) described as “disgruntled elements”.

“Adeniran is a retired Assistant Professor of African Studies and the pioneer Commissioner for Education in Osun State. He hails from Ile-Ife,” the statement read.

Recall that the spokesperson of the group, Maxwell Adeleye, announced his resignation from the group after an internal crisis.

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