Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, on Tuesday, reiterated its long-standing position on the urgent need for the restructuring of Nigeria’s security framework.
The group being led by leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, expressed grave concern over the worsening security situation in the country, which it attributed to the failure of the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari and the continued insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
The group at its monthly meeting held at the residence of its leader, Chief Adebanjo, in Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State.and was attended by prominent leaders from across the Southwest and beyond.
Afenifere called on President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, to take urgent and decisive actions to protect lives and property across Nigeria.
According to the group, Nigeria’s vast territory, large population, and diverse nature cannot be effectively secured under a centralized, unitary police system.
The group called for the constitutional institutionalization of state police to enable a more localized and responsive approach to law enforcement
In a communique issued after the meeting, the group highlighted the recent public outcry by the Governor of Oyo State, who lamented the infiltration of bandits into his state despite his role as the Chief Security Officer.
On the controversial detention of Nnamdi Kanu, Afenifere reiterated its stance that Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is a political detainee.
The group noted the irregularities surrounding his 2021 abduction and rendition to Nigeria, as well as the conflicting legal proceedings that have undermined his right to a fair trial.
Afenifere called on President Tinubu to immediately release Kanu in the interest of justice and national reconciliation, asserting that there is no justifiable reason to keep him in detention without trial.
In organizational matters, the meeting approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the new National Organizing Secretary of Afenifere.
Farotimi’s appointment is expected to strengthen the group’s national outreach and advocacy efforts.
The meeting, presided over by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, saw the attendance of distinguished delegates from six Southwest states, as well as Kogi and Kwara states.
Notable figures included former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; Chief Sola Ebiseni, Secretary General; Chief Akin Osuntokun; Professor Akin Onigbinde; Elder Tola Mobolurin; Dr. Gbola Adetuji; and Olorogun Pop Ayo-Banjo.
The communique was signed by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Deputy Leader, and Prince Justice Faloye, National Publicity Secretary.
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