The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has officially distanced itself from a communiqué released by its General Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, criticizing the Supreme Court judgment upholding President Bola Tinubu’s election. The group’s leadership, including Chief Reuben Fasoranti, stated that they were not aware of the press release and did not authorize it.
According to a statement by Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Otunba Kole Omololu, Chief Fasoranti had previously congratulated President Tinubu and expressed solidarity over his victory at the apex court. The statement described the attack on the judiciary in Ebiseni’s press release as underhanded and mischievous, emphasizing that such actions by elements within the group were fanning the embers of national discord for political motives.
The statement further noted that Pa Ayo Adebanjo, as the acting leader of the group, is expected to defer to Chief Fasoranti, the appointed leader, in the natural and traditional order of Afenifere. The group expressed concern that the release by Ebiseni went against the principles of national discourse expected from Afenifere.
The disowned communiqué had been issued by Ebiseni at the end of a meeting held at Adebanjo’s residence in Ogbo Ijebu, Ogun State, and it criticized the state of federalism in Nigeria. The communiqué called for a change in the military constitution and the re-enactment of a constitution in line with foundational federal principles. It raised concerns about electoral shenanigans during the 2023 general elections and criticized the Supreme Court’s judgment on the matter.
