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Tag: Afenifere

  • Insecurity: Afenifere asks Tinubu to fast-track state police, strengthen Amotekun in south-west

    Insecurity: Afenifere asks Tinubu to fast-track state police, strengthen Amotekun in south-west

    Leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently expedite action on the creation of state police as part of measures to address the worsening security challenges confronting the South-West region and the country at large.

    Recall that President Tinubu had last year, while meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence, said his administration was committed to establishing state and community police to change the country’s security narratives.

    He explained that the community and state police will be a “reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs,” saying his government was not relenting in its efforts to return the nation to peace and prosperity.

    However, Afenifere also urged governors in the South-West to strengthen and adequately empower the regional security outfit, Amotekun Corps, to enable it to tackle the persistent cases of kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities ravaging the region.

    The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Thursday at the end of Afenifere’s caucus meeting held at the Akure residence of its National Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

    The communiqué, signed and issued by the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Jare Ajayi, expressed serious concern over what the group described as the alarming rise in insecurity, noting that incidents of banditry and kidnapping have now become almost a daily occurrence in parts of the South-West.

    According to the organisation, the pattern of attacks across the region suggested a deliberate sabotage aimed at eroding public confidence in the government, stressing that the situation was no longer acceptable.

    “As the saying goes, it’s when one is alive and in good health that one can think of becoming anything. As such, the situation of insecurity in our land leaves a lot to be desired. Afenifere has repeatedly called attention to this menace. We were not just calling attention to the menace; we always provided ideas on the way out.

    “In this way, we call on State Governors in the Southwest to empower the security outfit Amotekun. We also appeal to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the state governments to expedite action on the much vaunted State Police.

    “Afenifere called on governors of the Southwest to do more in strengthening Amotekun with a view to curtailing insecurity in the region,” it read.

    The meeting also sympathised with the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo, HRM Oba Olu Falae, the people of Ilu-Abo, and the Ondo state government over the terror attack that occurred in the community last Sunday.

    The group expressed deep concern over increasing acts of terrorism reported in various parts of Yorubaland and called for immediate and decisive action to halt the disturbing trend.

    Afenifere also called on governments at all levels, security agencies, and community leaders to urgently rise to the challenge by adopting practical and sustainable solutions to the menace of insecurity.

    It also urged governors in the Southwest region to initiate a regional rail line project linking the state capitals of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti States.

    Afenifere added that the rail project, alongside enhanced security collaboration, could be extended to Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta States in alignment with the governments of those states.

    On the newly introduced tax regime, which has been in place since January 2026, Afenifere said it has carefully reviewed the provisions of the tax laws as announced by the federal government led by President Tinubu.

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    While acknowledging that the intention of the reforms was to reduce the financial burden on low-income earners, the group warned that the current structure could still negatively affect common Nigerians.

    It, therefore, appealed for the N800,000 income threshold to be reviewed upward to allow more low-income earners benefit from the policy.

    Afenifere also commended the federal government for the construction and reconstruction of major roads across the country.

    However, it appealed to the government to prevail on contractors handling the projects to expedite work and ensure quality delivery within stipulated timelines.

    Specifically, the group called for speedy completion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; Ibadan-Ilorin-Mokwa Road; Abeokuta-Sagamu Road; Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road; Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo-Ikirun-Offa-Ilorin Road; and the Akure-Oore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda-Akinfosile-Igbotako Road.

    Afenifere further appreciated the federal government for commencing the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ife-Akure Road, expressing optimism that the project would be completed within the shortest possible time.

    Prominent personalities at the caucus meeting included Chief Femi Aluko, Hon. Korede Duyile, Agbaakin Ademola Folarin, Abagun Kole Omololu, Hon. Lekan Alabi, Chief Deji Wellington, Dr. Niyi Osoba, and High Chief Ayo Abereoran.

    Others are: Chief (Mrs) Grace Animola, Rt. Hon. Bakita Bello, Ambassador Samson Obanibi, Engr. Lai Gboluaje, Alhaji Abdullah Kasali, and Chief Kehinde Oladeinde.

  • Afenifere hails FUTA Teaching Hospital, predicts bright 2027 for Tinubu

    Afenifere hails FUTA Teaching Hospital, predicts bright 2027 for Tinubu

    • …as CMD dedicates take off to Fasoranti

    The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has said the commencement of activities at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital in Ondo State would boost President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in 2027.

    Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, made the remark on Wednesday while receiving the management of the FUTA Teaching Hospital, led by its Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Olusegun Ojo, at his residence.

    Fasoranti applauded President Tinubu for ensuring the take-off of the long-awaited teaching hospital, describing it as a landmark achievement in strengthening healthcare delivery and medical education in the South-West.

    He said the hospital’s operations would not only improve access to quality healthcare for Ondo state residents and neighbouring states but also enhance medical training and stimulate the local economy.

    “We cannot quantify our joy because this hospital (FUTA) Teaching Hospital is going to be a thing of joy forever, multiplying effect, and the benefit for the community and the Southwest region as a whole.

    “I want to thank the President for making this teaching hospital a reality. Thank you very much, Mr. President (Tinubu), for making our dreams a reality,” he said.

    The Afenifere leader added that the hospital’s establishment is a booster for the president, noting that Tinubu is going to succeed in the 2027 election.

    “Now, the establishment and kick-off of the teaching hospital is a boost to the president of this country. That is Tinubu, because he came here personally to see us (Afenifere), and we congratulated him in advance before the election. He won.

    Read Also: Contractor seeks Tinubu’s help on 22-year-old Kaduna Eastern bypass

    “And he came here again to congratulate us after winning the election. So, Tinubu has a very bright chance. Even for the coming election in 2027, by the grace of God, he is going to succeed,” he said.

    Earlier, Prof. Ojo lauded the dedication and foresight of Afenifere leaders, particularly Fasoranti, in making the hospital a reality.

    He noted that the hospital’s creation “did not happen by chance” but was driven by a genuine commitment to improving healthcare for generations to come.

    Ojo also acknowledged Fasoranti’s role in recommending his appointment as the Pioneer CMD, describing it as laying a “solid administrative, ethical, and professional foundation” for the hospital.

    “Your insistence that this dream must be fulfilled while you are still alive was not born out of personal gain, but out of a genuine desire to secure a better healthcare future for generations yet unborn. Baba, that singular intervention altered the healthcare landscape of Akure forever.

    “As if this monumental contribution was not enough, you went further to personally recommend, through a formal letter, the appointment of Professor Olusegun Ojo as the Pioneer Chief Medical Director of this hospital. That decision laid a solid administrative, ethical, and professional foundation upon which we are proud to continue to build today.

    “Baba, in every sense of the word, you are the pillar upon which this institution stands. Your influence opened doors; your credibility gave confidence; and your selfless leadership gave life to a vision that once seemed distant,” he said.

    The CMD, however, pledged that the hospital team would build on the foundation laid by ensuring the institution achieves its envisioned goals.

  • Afenifere seeks action against terrorism

    Afenifere seeks action against terrorism

    The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has condemned what it described as upsurge in terror attacks in parts of Yorubaland and other parts of the country.

    In a statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere referenced the latest killing of some forest guards at Old Oyo National Park in Oloka, Oriire Local Government, killing of four farmers in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government, both in Oyo State and abduction of a nursing mother and her child at Supare/Ajegunle in Akoko South Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    It cited the apprehension of some bandits in Ondo State, who were alleged to have fled Sokoto in the wake of America’s bombardment of their hideout in the state and the torching of a police station in Ipele also in Ondo State.

    The statement said: “Towards the end of last year, a rumour was rife that some hoodlums planned attacks on some public places in the Southwest during the just-concluded festive periods.

    “While we thank God that no major attack occurred during the period, the rumour should not be dismissed outright, going by reports of terrorists’ cells or camps already detected in various parts of the region.

    READ ALSO: Kano’s unfolding power game

    “Those who struck at Oloka, Oyo State on Tuesday must have taken off from one of the cells nearby. Ditto for those who struck in Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and  Kaduna states, including those who attacked guests at a wedding on December 30, 2025 at Kunza, Ashige in Lafia Local Government Area of Nassarawa State.

    “The 3rd Division of the Army on New Year Eve foiled an attempt to attack some communities in Plateau State and eliminated five bandits in the process.’’

    The Afenifere spokesman challenged Southwest governors to implement the resolution they made when they met in Ibadan on November 24 last year on the security of the region.

    “They had resolved to, among others, set up South West Security Fund (SWSF) that will institute a ‘Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform’ for the purpose of exchanging threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinating state-to-state rapid response.

    “The governors were urged to quickly actualise the arrangement and jointly acquire necessary things to secure the region. Kwara and Kogi states including Edo and Delta states can be brought into the loop in view of insecurity linkage with these states.”

  • Afenifere challenges southwest governors, decries rising terror attacks across Yorubaland

    Afenifere challenges southwest governors, decries rising terror attacks across Yorubaland

    The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a disturbing rise in terror attacks across parts of Yorubaland and other regions of the country.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group cited several recent incidents, including the killing of Forest Guards at Old Oyo National Park in Oloka, Oriire Local Government Area; the killing of four farmers in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State; and the abduction of a nursing mother and her child in the Supare/Ajegunle area of Akoko South Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Afenifere also referenced the arrest of suspected bandits in Ondo State who were reportedly fleeing Sokoto following a United States airstrike on their hideout, as well as the burning down of a police station in Ipele, also in Ondo State.

    The organisation recalled that toward the end of last year, rumours circulated about planned attacks on public places in the Southwest during the festive period. While noting that no major incident occurred, it warned against dismissing such intelligence, given reports of terrorist cells already detected in various parts of the region.

    The statement stressed the urgent need for heightened vigilance and stronger security measures to protect residents across the Southwest.

    “Those who struck at Oloka, Oyo State, on Tuesday must have taken off from one of the cells nearby. Ditto for those who struck in Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Southern Kaduna States, including those who attacked guests at a wedding ceremony on December 30, 2025, at Kunza, Ashige in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa State.

    “The 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, on the eve of this New Year, foiled the attempt to attack some communities in Plateau state and eliminated five bandits in the process.

    The Afenifere spokesman challenged Southwest governors to “put life to the resolution they made when they met in Ibadan on November 24, last year, on the security of the region.

    “They had resolved to, among others, set up the South West Security Fund (SWSF) that will institute a ‘Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform’ for the purpose of exchanging threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts, and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.

    “The governors were urged to quickly actualize the arrangement and jointly acquire the necessary things to secure the region. Kwara and Kogi States, including Edo and Delta States, can be brought into the loop in view of the insecurity linkage with these states.”

    Ajayi recalled that the Oyo state government planned to acquire a surveillance aircraft purely for security purposes, quoting unconfirmed sources that the plane would be unveiled during the 50th anniversary of Oyo State at 50 on February 3, 2026.

    Afenifere spokesman lauded the military for the yeoman job it is doing, saying, “This could be seen, in among others, the discovery of bomb explosives in Ganaru, Zugurma district of Niger state and the detection of 1,270 warheads of ammunition and power banks concealed in a drainage at Bulumkutu Railway area in Maiduguri, Borno State, the bombing of mosques in the same state and the attack on Kasuwan Daji in Demo village of Niger State, where the bandits also abducted many people.

    He conjectured that the battle seems to be unwon so far for a number of factors.

    “Salient among these factors were inefficient intelligence gathering and processing, as well as sabotage from within and from without. In that sense, serious attention must be paid to these areas in whatever strategies are being formulated to combat terrorism and banditry.

    “In view of the number of bandits that have been eliminated or apprehended, their number seems to be increasing not just because of infiltration but because they force some of their captives to partake in the dastardly act. For example, former Theatre Commander of the North East Nigeria’s Joint Task Force, Major General Christopher Musa, in July 2022, disclosed that of the 70,593 insurgents who surrendered, as many as 14,609 were active male fighters, while the rest were women and children.

    “Most of these male fighters were coerced into bandtry. Luckily, the then Theatre Commandant, General Musa, is now the Minister of Defence. He will hopefully put the field experiences to good use now.

    In view of the intransigence of the menace, Afenifere is offering some steps that can be taken to put a stop to it. Strategies to be mapped out should include concrete re-orientation on the need to place greater value on life, deradicalisation, debriefing of youths who had been negatively indoctrinated, restructuring the security architecture, appropriate training of security personnel, motivation and empowerment of these personnel, including the provision of modern security equipment, as well as the immediate take-off of state police.

    Ajayi added that, in view of the need to tinker with the Constitution to have State Police, a Presidential Order can be made to have various levels of the existing Police structure at state and community levels to be populated by indigenes or inhabitants of the given area. This could be done pending the time that the needed constitutional amendments would be effected.

    “This should not be difficult to achieve in view of the recent agreement between the governors and the President on the need to have State Police,” he concluded.

  • Afenifere hails U.S. airstrike on terrorists location in North-West Nigeria

    Afenifere hails U.S. airstrike on terrorists location in North-West Nigeria

    The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has backed the United States’ airstrike on suspected terrorist elements in North-West Nigeria.

    Afenifere’s position followed confirmation by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) that the air operation was carried out by U.S. forces with the approval of the federal government, based on shared intelligence between Nigeria and the United States.

    Also, U.S. President Donald Trump had on Thursday night confirmed that American forces conducted an airstrike targeting terrorist elements operating in the North-West.

    In a statement issued on Friday to reporters in Akure, Ondo state capital, by its National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, Afenifere described the strike as timely and necessary in view of persistent insecurity in parts of the country.

    The organisation said terrorist attacks, abductions, and destruction of lives and property had continued in affected communities, adding that previous efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves had been inadequate.

    “The recent confirmation by the Defence Headquarters that the joint air strikes conducted by Nigerian and United States military forces against ISIS terrorist elements in North-West Nigeria were executed with the approval of the appropriate Federal Government authorities is both timely and necessary. 

    “Afenifere unequivocally supports this decisive action, which comes after years of relentless insecurity that has held communities hostage and undermined the very fabric of the nation,” the group said. 

    Afenifere said the involvement of he U.S. in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts should not be criticised, noting that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.

    The group attributed the prolonged insecurity in the country to years of governance and security lapses, which it said allowed extremist groups to take root.

    Read Also: Trump threatens further strikes if ISIS attack persists

    “At this critical juncture, the involvement of the United States in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations deserves recognition, not condemnation. For far too long, innocent Nigerians have been subjected to relentless attacks, abductions, and wanton destruction of property, while insufficient measures were taken to decisively confront these terrorist enclaves.

    “The vacuum created by decades of ineffective governance has, regrettably, invited the intervention of capable partners who understand the urgency of the situation,” the statement read. 

    It added that national sovereignty should be measured by a country’s ability to secure its territory and protect citizens, rather than political rhetoric.

    Afenifere commended the current federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the joint operation and urged political leaders and the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

    “Afenifere wishes to stress that true sovereignty is measured not by rhetoric but by the capacity to protect citizens, enforce the rule of law and secure the nation’s borders. The lives of Nigerians and the preservation of national peace must always take precedence over political sentiment or populist critique. The swift and coordinated military response demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to restoring safety and stability to affected regions.

    “We call upon all citizens, political leaders, and civil society actors to resist any temptation to undermine these efforts with misplaced criticism. Now is the time for solidarity, support, and constructive collaboration to eradicate terrorism and protect the lives of Nigerians.”

    The group reaffirmed its support for any domestic or joint measures aimed at restoring security and stability across the country.

    “The courage, professionalism, and decisive action displayed by both Nigerian and United States forces should be applauded. Afenifere reaffirms its support for any measures, domestic or joint, that will ensure that Nigeria’s citizens can live in safety and security, free from the scourge of terror,” it read. 

  • Kwara, Kogi attacks terrorist plots to destabilise Nigeria – Afenifere

    Kwara, Kogi attacks terrorist plots to destabilise Nigeria – Afenifere

    Afenifere, a pan- Yoruba socio-political, has described the recent attacks on communities in Kwara and Kogi states as an attempt to destabilise the country, by people it described as  territorial expansionists, terrorists, and disgruntled elements.

     The group, in a statement, Friday, raised concern in a statement, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, Oyo State, condoled with Kogi and Kwara,  over the calamities, including a recent boat mishap and flooding incidents.

    The group  maintained that the sacking of communities in Kwara and Kogi, as well as other parts of the Middle Belt, were grim reminders that terrorism in those areas posed serious threats to the South-West and the entire country, it therefore, expressed “deep sympathy” over the boat mishaps and flood disasters that occurred in the two states recently.

     “The method of operation of the terrorists in Kwara went beyond those who are kidnapping for ransom or are just interested in finding fodder for their livestock.

    “The types of weapons they use, the derring-do manner with which they attack and the intensity of the damage they cause clearly indicate that they have very powerful people sponsoring them both locally and internationally.

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    “The usage of the adjective ‘very’ here was deliberate with a view to underlining the deep involvement of powerful interests locally and internationally in the life-taking experiences we are having presently. So-called ‘illegal miners’ etc. could be suspected here,” said Afenifere.

    Afenifere further decried the invasion of Kwara communities, where lives were lost, properties destroyed, and socio-economic activities disrupted.  “However, those supporting, collaborating and sponsoring the evil doers need to remember that when the country is destabilised, they are not going to be immune. What is happening in Afghanistan presently and what has been happening since the unwarranted ouster and murder of Muammar Ghadaffi of Libya should serve as lessons.

    “It is on record that since Ghadaffi was ousted, Libya has not known peace. As for Afghanistan, it is as though the government of that country wants to strip Afghan women and girls of their rights to those things that are basic to human existence — education, work, freedom of movement and participation in public life.

    “From August 2021, when Taliban took over government in that country, it has come up with over 70 decrees violating the rights of girls and women, especially their right to education, according to Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.”

  • Afenifere, DAWN Commission convene two-day stakeholders’ dialogue

    Afenifere, DAWN Commission convene two-day stakeholders’ dialogue

    Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, with technical support from Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, has announced a two-day citizen-government engagement summit scheduled for October 9 and 10 in Akure, Ondo State capital.

    The summit, with the theme: ‘Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future’, will bring together over 800 regional stakeholders to engage directly with the Federal Government on policy initiatives.

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will host the summit with co-hosting by all Southwest governors.

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    The Steering Committee Chairman, Dr. Akin Onigbinde, SAN, said the summit aimed to create a structured dialogue mechanism between the Southwest and federal and state authorities, to ensure regional voices informed national policy decisions.

    “This summit marks a new chapter in democratic engagement for Southwest,” said Onigbinde, former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly.

    “We are creating an institutional framework that will ensure the voices of over 40 million Southwest residents are heard and considered in governance decisions.”

    Providing more information on the summit, DAWN Commission’s Director General, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, said a unique feature of the congress was its requirement for evidence-based presentations.

    “We demand accountability through evidence,” he said, adding that the summit “presents an opportunity for Southwest citizens to get first-hand information about government policies.”

  • Afenifere renews calls for state police, restructuring

    Afenifere renews calls for state police, restructuring

    Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere has renewed calls for urgent restructuring of Nigeria and the immediate establishment of state police to tackle rising insecurity across the country.

    The group made its position known in a communiqué after a caucus meeting on Tuesday at the Akure residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti presided over by elder statesman, Oba Olu Falae, the Olu of Ilu Abo. 

    The communiqué was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi.

    Afenifere expressed deep concerns over the worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo States as well as the incessant killings in Benue, Plateau, Niger and Katsina States. 

    It noted that despite the efforts of security agencies, banditry and terrorism continue to thrive.

    The group urged the Federal Government to embark on urgent reforms in the security sector, stressing the need for the procurement and deployment of modern technology while empowering local communities to defend themselves.

    Read Also: Afenifere: Tinubu, Soyinka distinguished Yoruba sons

    It further called for the strict enforcement of anti-open grazing laws and the promotion of ranching as a sustainable solution to the recurring farmers-herders clashes.

    On the economy, Afenifere acknowledged ongoing reforms but insisted on stronger measures to revive growth and reduce hardship faced by Nigerians.

    The group also tasked contractors handling major federal road projects across Yorubaland, including the Ibadan – Ife – Ilesa – Akure and Ibadan – Oyo – Ogbomoso – Ilorin highways, to expedite completion.

    Reiterating that restructuring remained the only lasting solution to Nigeria’s challenges, Afenifere called on the federal government to transmit an executive bill to the National Assembly to give legal effect to the process.

    The meeting also congratulated Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on his ascension as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, praying for a peaceful and development-oriented reign.

  • Afenifere: Tinubu, Soyinka distinguished Yoruba sons

    Afenifere: Tinubu, Soyinka distinguished Yoruba sons

    The pan-Yoruba socio-political and cultural organisation, Afenifere, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, describing them as distinguished sons of the Yoruba nation.

    The organisation said the two eminent Nigerians embody the values of their people on both national and global stages.

    In a statement yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, by its National Organising Secretary, Otunba Kole Omololu, the organization noted that recent events underscored the global prestige of the Yoruba people and the enduring influence of their culture. It alluded to a state banquet in Brazil where President Tinubu vacated his seat for Prof. Soyinka, respectfully addressing him as egbon (elder brother).

    Afenifere stressed that the gesture reflected the Yoruba traditions of respect, humility, and the omolúàbí (the thoroughbred) ethos.

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    The statement noted that the Yoruba culture continues to thrive across Latin America through practices, such as Candomblé, Santería, Vodou, and Orisha worship, which have preserved sacred words and traditions centuries after the transatlantic dispersal.

    “No other African people have such a widespread and deeply rooted diaspora that has so faithfully preserved its cultural heritage and moral values (than the Yoruba),” Afenifere stated.

    The organisation described this as proof of the resilience, dignity, and timeless nature of Yoruba traditions.

    It added that both President Tinubu and Prof. Soyinka exemplify the virtues of the Yoruba spirit with grace and integrity, serving as role models for younger generations and proudly representing the community worldwide.

  • Afenifere’s state chapter expels member

    Afenifere’s state chapter expels member

    Osun State chapter of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has resolved to expel Oba Oladipo Olaitan from its fold.

    The resolution was made at a meeting in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Members deliberated on activities and utterances of the monarch and concluded that he is no longer fit to continue to be a member.

    Olaitan hails from Kajola, a community near Ilesa, Osun State and is the traditional ruler. Going by his state of origin and by choice, he belongs to Osun State chapter, although he lives mostly in Lagos. It was by virtue of his being a member that necessitated the action taken by the state’s chapter. Following the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Olaitan announced his election first as acting leader and then leader of Afenifere.

    Leader of the body, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in 2021, appointed Adebanjo as acting leader while he appointed Olaitan deputy.

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    But for certain reasons, Fasoranti, early in 2024, abrogated the two offices, i.e. acting leader and deputy leader. Some of the reasons then were that Adebanjo, since assuming that office, deviated from the norms and practice of the organisation. And that he refused to change despite efforts to make him toe the right path. Since the proclamation by Fasoranti, both offices ceased to exist.

    It is on record, however, that  Adebanjo and Olaitan defied Afenifere leader by continuing to go around with the titles. This was the situation until Adebanjo died. It was on the wake of Adebanjo’s death that Olaitan pronounced himself leader.

    But, the chapter said, Olaitan’s conduct “is against the norm and practice of Afenifere,” hence the need to wield the big stick. In Afenifere, there has always been one leader at any one time. And no leader is appointed until the demise of the incumbent. Osun Afenifere insisted that Fasoranti is still the leader, as such there is no vacancy in that office.

    Other infractions listed against the monarch included what was dubbed as an unauthorized meeting “held by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Alaago of Kajola Ijesa in Atakumosa local government in Osun State” where he “appointed himself as the purported leader of Afenifere” which “is clearly a violation of Afenifere norms and practices “.

    The chapter considered it is an act of “gross indiscipline and grave disloyalty to the leader of Afenifere and the general Afenifere leadership”.

    It also cited the recent call by Oba Oladipo Olaitan on the National Assembly to impeach President Ahmed Bola Tinubu over the construction of Lagos – Calabar Coastal highway.

    For these reasons, the entire Afenifere members in Osun State hereby resolved to expel Oba Olaitan and are recommending the ratification of the excommunication to the national body.