The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has distanced itself from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that while he is of Yoruba descent, he is not affiliated with their organization.
The group made the clarification in a communique issued after its general meeting at the residence of Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Ogun State, following an article published by Dr. Ugoji Egbujo titled *Is Tinubu Settling Scores?*
In the article, published in Vanguard on October 26, 2024, Dr. Egbujo linked Tinubu to Afenifere due to his Yoruba heritage.
Afenifere, however, rejected this notion, describing the claim as “deliberately mischievous” and asserting that Tinubu has historically worked to undermine the group.
“Tinubu is not Afenifere. He masqueraded as one in 1999 and has, since 2003, done everything in his power to divide and neutralise Afenifere in politics,” the communique stated.
The group further highlighted that, in the 2023 elections, Afenifere backed Peter Obi, not Tinubu, as part of its stance on equitable governance.
Afenifere reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a fair society and called attention to Nigeria’s pressing social and economic issues under Tinubu’s leadership.
The group advocated for a devolved federation as a solution to ethnic tensions and central government control, which they argued often excludes diverse groups.
“Afenifere belief is anchored on building an egalitarian society, focused on providing the greatest good to the greatest number of citizens.
Any government that fails these tests is not Afenifere,” the statement added. Comparing the situation to a proverb, the communique continued, “If it doesn’t look like a duck, doesn’t swim like a duck, and doesn’t quack like a duck, then it’s not a duck. Tinubu is Yoruba, not an Afenifere.”
The group assured that it would continue serving as “the nation’s conscience” and a voice for the downtrodden, upholding its legacy of advocacy for balanced governance and social justice.
