In what appears to be a further deepening of internal divisions, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has formally distanced itself from a scathing mid-term assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration issued by a rival faction within its ranks.
The critical appraisal, which painted a bleak picture of the administration’s performance over the past two years, was spearheaded by the Ayo Adebanjo-led faction of Afenifere. In their statement, the group lambasted the federal government, accusing it of “abysmal failure” marked by declining human development indices, economic mismanagement, and what they described as democratic backsliding.
This fiery indictment, delivered by Oladipo Olaitan and spokesperson Justice Faloye, triggered a swift and pointed rebuttal from the Reuben Fasoranti-led faction, which insisted that the commentary does not represent the official position of Afenifere.
Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the Fasoranti group urged Nigerians and the international community to disregard the report, emphasizing that it emanated from a splinter faction acting outside the mandate of the mainstream organisation.
“While we do not deny the reality of the challenges facing Nigerians,” the statement read, “we believe the current administration is taking steps—albeit gradually—to address these issues and lay a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.”
The Fasoranti faction stressed that Afenifere has always played a constructive and advisory role in Nigeria’s political evolution and will continue to do so, offering guidance to those in power without resorting to incendiary rhetoric.
“We have, at various times, advised those in government on urgent issues and proposed solutions,” the group noted. “We will continue to provide support and counsel through appropriate channels to ensure inclusive progress benefiting our people.”
In a hopeful turn, the organisation expressed confidence that as President Tinubu enters the third year of his term, critical pressures on the populace—particularly in transportation, food prices, and security—will begin to ease. Of particular interest is the group’s support for the prompt establishment of state police, which they believe could be pivotal in addressing Nigeria’s persistent insecurity.
This episode has once again exposed the fissures within Afenifere, a group that once spoke with near-unified authority on Yoruba interests but now finds itself navigating internal discord. Whether the differing voices within its leadership can reconcile—or continue to chart separate courses—remains to be seen. One thing, however, is clear: Afenifere’s role in national discourse is far from diminished, even if increasingly fragmented.
