Afenifere Disowns Faction Calling for Akume’s Suspension

Omololu added that Afenifere remains a unified, disciplined, and purposeful organization dedicated to the welfare and progress of the Yoruba people within a united Nigeria. He emphasized that the group has always maintained a clear and consistent stance on national issues, guided by the principles of justice, equity, and good governance.

“Our focus remains the promotion of the socio-political, economic, and cultural interests of the Yoruba people within the context of a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria,” the statement read.

Omololu further urged the public and the media to disregard any statements purportedly issued by individuals or groups claiming to speak on behalf of Afenifere without the express authorization of its leadership.

He noted that attempts to sow division within the organization or to exploit its respected name for political gain would be firmly resisted.

“Afenifere has no factions, splinters, or offshoots. It remains a single, united body under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti,” Omololu reiterated.

He also warned that any further attempts to undermine the unity and integrity of the group would be met with appropriate legal and organizational responses, as the organization is determined to protect its legacy and leadership from political manipulation.

Omololu called on the Yoruba people to remain vigilant and united, emphasizing that Afenifere’s commitment to their welfare remains unwavering. He also reassured members and supporters that the group would continue to speak truth to power, defend Yoruba interests, and promote a fair and just Nigeria for all its citizens.

“The public is hereby advised to disregard the fraudulent individuals hiding under the name of Afenifere to pursue personal or partisan agendas.

“We are fully aware that certain members of the Labour Party in Yoruba land have continued to masquerade as speaking for Afenifere.

“These political opportunists, whose actions are driven by bitterness and selfish ambition, are hereby sternly warned to desist from dragging the revered name of Afenifere into disrepute,” he said.

Omololu clarified that the attempt to link the SGF to an EFCC investigation involving a private individual was misleading, noting that the probe was initiated by Senator Akume himself after observing financial irregularities.

He described the accusation as an irresponsible and malicious act of blackmail, urging Yoruba people to reject attempts to misuse Afenifere’s name for personal or political gain.

“We wish to reiterate that Afenifere stands firmly on the side of due process, justice, and the rule of law.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be allowed to conduct its investigations without pressure, coercion, or threats of orchestrated protests.

“Afenifere, as a non-partisan and principled socio-political-cultural body, will not be used as a vehicle for any political vendetta,” he further said.

Despite the clarification, the unknown faction called on President Tinubu to suspend Akume, issuing a 7-day ultimatum to the EFCC for an update or face protests, prompting civil society groups to condemn the move as politically motivated and lacking evidence.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the accused person, Mr Uchi, is not an appointee of Mr President, or on the payroll of the SGF, nor does he work in the office of the SGF, or is related to the SGF, beyond being an opportunistic hanger-on around, who specialises in name-dropping, as against the claims in their statement.

“It is also on record and noteworthy that the investigation being carried out by the EFCC is at the instance of His Excellency, Sen George Akume, after noticing the extravagant lifestyle of Mr Uchi, and has since publicly distanced himself from the suspect.

“The surreptitious coercive attempt by the so-called factional Afenifere group to manipulate the EFCC’s findings or incite public opinion to cast aspersions on the character and person of the SGF with the intent to sway public opinion against him is a direct affront, discriminatory, offensive, obnoxious, distasteful, and disrespectful,” the CSOs said.

The coalition stressed that while it opposes corruption, it will resist attempts to unjustly smear the nation’s leaders through unprofessional conduct.