The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has appointed former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, as Chairman of its National Executive Committee.
The decision was made during the group’s monthly meeting held at the Akure residence of its national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Ondo State.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, stated that Oba Falae’s appointment was made by Pa Fasoranti to “reposition and reinvigorate” the group toward advancing the Yoruba cause.
“The new Chairman, Oba Falae, is a former SGF, a respected elder statesman, and a symbol of integrity and national service. His appointment is to ensure that the House of Oduduwa is back on track to project the Yoruba mandate,” Ajayi said.
In a communique issued after the meeting, Afenifere reiterated its long-standing call for the restructuring of Nigeria. The group described the current national challenges — insecurity, economic hardship, and systemic dysfunction — as symptomatic of a flawed federal structure.
“We are calling on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to urgently set machinery in motion to restructure the country,” the communique stated. “This must become a central policy focus as the administration enters its third year.”
The group expressed deep concern over the state of security in Nigeria, citing recent abductions and killings, including the murder of APC chairman in Ondo State, Mr. Nelson Adegboyigiwa, and the kidnapping of a traditional ruler in Kogi State.
“Afenifere reiterates its demand for the immediate take-off of state policing,” the communique emphasized, pointing to increasing banditry and attacks in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and other regions.
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While congratulating Tinubu on his administration’s second anniversary, the group urged him to prioritize food affordability, transportation costs, and overall economic relief for Nigerians.
It also acknowledged the Federal Government’s plan to establish National Forestry Guards, but recommended that implementation be state-driven to reinforce decentralized security frameworks.
Afenifere welcomed the release of funds for the rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway and commended the initiative as a step in the right direction.
Oba Falae, speaking on his appointment, expressed gratitude to Pa Fasoranti and pledged to unify all factions of Afenifere.
“By the grace of God and with the support of Afenifere and the Yoruba nation, we’ll succeed in bringing everybody together,” he said. “I intend to achieve this in Papa’s lifetime.”
Echoing the commitment to unity, National Organizing Secretary, Apagun Kole Omololu, affirmed that Oba Falae’s leadership would restore harmony within the group.
Present at the meeting were leaders and delegates from all Yoruba-speaking states, including Kogi and Kwara, as well as former Ondo Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Chief Tokunbo Ajasin.