There are no factions in Afenifere. Any statement suggesting otherwise is false. The organisation is one, indivisible, and under the leadership of Pa Fasoranti
The apex Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has disowned a self-styled faction that recently called for the suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. The group described the purported statement as fraudulent, politically motivated, and an affront to its principles.
In a statement signed by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, and made available to Leadership, Afenifere condemned the publication as a mischievous and unauthorised communication that was falsely attributed to the organisation. The statement emphatically rejected the call for Senator Akume’s suspension, describing it as baseless and misleading.
Omololu made it clear that Afenifere remains a single, unified body under the leadership of elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and dismissed any notion of a faction within the organisation. He stressed that no individual or group has the authority to speak on behalf of Afenifere without proper mandate.
“There are no factions in Afenifere. Any statement suggesting otherwise is false. The organisation is one, indivisible, and under the leadership of Pa Fasoranti,” Omololu stated.
The Afenifere chieftain accused certain political elements, especially some members of the Labour Party in the South-West, of impersonating Afenifere to advance personal and partisan agendas. He described these individuals as political opportunists driven by bitterness and selfish ambition, warning them to cease dragging the name of Afenifere into disrepute.
“We are aware of certain persons masquerading as representatives of Afenifere. These individuals are not authorised and are sternly warned to desist from exploiting our name for political blackmail,” he said.
Addressing the controversy involving Senator Akume, Omololu clarified that the EFCC investigation referenced by the impostors was initiated by Akume himself after he reported financial irregularities involving a private individual. He condemned attempts to link the SGF to the investigation, labelling such efforts as dishonest, defamatory, and a calculated act of blackmail.
“It is public knowledge that the EFCC investigation was triggered by Senator Akume’s own complaint. Attempting to twist this into an accusation of complicity is malicious and irresponsible,” he stated.
Reaffirming the organisation’s values, Omololu stressed that Afenifere remains committed to the principles of due process, justice, and the rule of law. He urged the public to disregard politically motivated statements issued under the organisation’s name without authorisation.
“The EFCC must be allowed to carry out its duties without interference or orchestrated pressure. Afenifere will never be a tool for political vendetta,” he added.
Afenifere reiterated its commitment to defending its name, protecting the unity of Nigeria, and upholding the dignity of Yoruba leadership. Omololu assured that the group will continue to stand as a beacon of integrity, advocating for fairness and national cohesion.
“Afenifere will not sit idly while its name is misused. We remain steadfast in defending the values we have upheld for decades—truth, justice, and unity,” he concluded.