Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, has reiterated its advocacy for a restructured Nigeria, harkening back to the true federalism of the pre-1966 era.
In a statement on Sunday, Afenifere emphasized that restructuring the nation would enable each region to grow independently, asserting that the Yoruba people’s realization of their innate potential depended on a restructured Nigeria.
The group expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s presidential aspirations, citing his track record in championing the restructuring cause.
They urged him, now in a position of influence, to work towards actualizing this long-standing aspiration.
Afenifere reaffirmed Reuben Fasoranti as its leader, and by extension, the national leader of the Yoruba people, with Ayo Adebanjo serving as the acting leader. The group, acknowledging the contributions of past and present leaders, restated itss commitment to vigilant oversight of economic and social development in the South-West geopolitical zone, akin to an eagle’s watchfulness.
The pronouncements were encapsulated in a 9-point communique issued at the conclusion of a meeting held at Asoludero Hall, situated in the Sagamu private residence of former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, presently serving as the Senator representing Ogun East.
Attendees included Kole Omololu, national organizing secretary of Afeniferes3ff Babatunde Onadeko representing Senator Gbenga Daniel, Tayo Onayemi, Dr. Samuel Ibikunle, Ogun State Chairman of Afenifere, Dr. Niyi Osoba, and state Secretary Wale Adedayo, among others.
Furthermore, the communique stressed the importance of engaging with local leaders, including Baales and Obas in Yorubaland, to address the indiscriminate selling of lands to non-indigenes and curtail the situation.
The communique reads: “We reaffirm our commitment to the unity and development of Yorubaland.
“We need to act like the eagle to monitor economic and social development by the tiers of government in our land.
“We remain resolute that Chief Reuben Fasoranti is our leader. In the same vein, we also appreciate all our leaders, living and dead, for their progressive disposition towards the development of Yorubaland.
“Afenifere is the second oldest political group in Africa, as South Africa’s African National Congress is the first one. We pledge to continue in the ways of our founding fathers notably, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“We reaffirm that Nigeria needs to be restructured so that the Yoruba Nation can achieve its full potential.
“There is a need to engage with Baales and Obas about the indiscriminate sale of land to non-indigenes.
“We’ll work with those concerned to reinvigorate the speaking of Yoruba Language among our young children. Our language must be cherished. We must protect and promote the Yoruba Language.
“Yoruba culture and traditions must also be cherished. We’ll work towards ensuring that Yoruba culture and traditions are not trampled underfoot.
“We’ll work with relevant stakeholders to ensure security for our people in the face of harassment and killing of rural farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen, for instance in Imeko Afon Local Government.”
