…as group laments rising insecurity, demands restructuring

By Bukola Olamona

In a move signaling internal realignments within the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere yesterday named elder statesman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Oba Olu Falae, CFR, GCON, as Chairman of its National Executive Committee, calling on President Bola Tinubu that the country cannot survive much longer without urgent restructuring.

The decision, reached at the group’s monthly caucus meeting held at the Akure residence of its nonagenarian leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, OFR, said this is to reposition the Yoruba voice on the national stage.

With representatives from all Yoruba-speaking states, including Kwara and Kogi, has notable figures like the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Chief Tokunbo Ajasin in attendance.

The meeting deliberated extensively on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

Afenifere declared that restructuring is the only panacea to Nigeria’s myriad challenges, saying the failure to decentralise power remains the root cause of insecurity, economic inequality, and political discontent.

“We have interrogated these crises rigorously, and the solution remains restructuring. Nothing else will work,” the group said.

Afenifere specifically urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to take immediate steps to restructure Nigeria, warning that delaying further might plunge the country into chaos.

‘’ We are therefore calling on the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to set the machinery in motion to restructure the country as a matter of urgency’’ it stated

It, however, congratulated the President on the second anniversary of his administration and called on him to use his third year in office to make history with restructuring.

The group decried the escalating wave of violent crimes and abductions, citing the recent kidnap and killing of Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi in Ifon, Ose LGA of Ondo State, and the abduction of Oba James, and a monarch in Kogi State, as shocking indicators that citizens are no longer safe even in their homes.

“The security situation is deteriorating. Bandits now storm royal palaces and residences. This has gone beyond crisis,” the statement read.

Afenifere also condemned rising food prices and transport costs, saying Nigerians are being “choked” despite the NBS’s latest inflation report.

While commending the Federal Government’s Forestry Guard initiative, the group demanded that security enforcement be decentralised, urging states to take the lead.

The group, however, thanked the President for releasing funds for the rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway, describing it as a welcome development.

The meeting ended with warm accolades for Pa Fasoranti, who recently marked his 99th birthday on May 11, 2025. Members hailed him as “The symbol of Yoruba resilience and dignity,” affirming his continued relevance in guiding Afenifere’s ideological compass.

Responding, Oba Olu Falae who said his life has always been a life of service said the new appointment is a continuation of service , particularly the service to the nations in general and the Yoruba nation.

Oba Falae who said one of the major challenge given to him is to ensure that every member is brought on board , promised that with the help of God and the support of Afenifere and the Yoruba nation, he will succeed in bringing everyone together.