KEY POINTS
- Former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, was made chairman of Afenifere’s executive committee.
- The group wants urgent reforms and the establishment of state police.
- He says it is important for Yoruba community figures to unite.
Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political organisation, has appointed Oba Olu Falae as the new Chairman of its National Executive Committee. During its regular monthly meeting held Tuesday at Pa Reuben Fasoranti’s residence in Akure, the group arrived at the decision.
Afenifere appoints Olu Falae, who served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and is now the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo in Akure North, Ondo State, takes over at a crucial time for the group and Yoruba people.
According to Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Pa Fasoranti proposed the appointment to help fortify and realign the group ahead of future challenges.
According to Ajayi, Oba Falae’s appointment is intended to revitalize the organization so that the House of Oduduwa can properly express the Yoruba mandate.
A movement for change
The group released a statement after meeting, once more calling for restructuring to be the most effective solution for the country’s problems. The group asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to treat restructuring as a priority immediately.
For this reason, we are urging President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to work towards restructuring the country at the earliest opportunity, the communiqué said.
Security and economic related matters raised as Afenifere appoints Olu Falae
The group said they were deeply concerned about the rise in kidnappings and violent occurrences occurring throughout the country. The report pointed out the killing of Oba James Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye in Kogi State as well as the assassination of APC chieftain Nelson Adegboyigiwa in Ondo State.
They once more recommended creating state police to help increase security in the country. The group accepted NBS data on inflation but pointed out that Nigerians still face high fees for food and transport services. As a result, the group is urging the federal government to take needed steps immediately to resolve the problem.
Environmental disruptions and transportation
Afenifere expressed support for the proposed National Forestry Guard and advised that each state should take over its operation to maintain a decentralised approach to security.
They also showed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting the rehabilitation of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa Expressway.
Afenifere appoints Olu Falae, says unity is essential in the Yoruba nation
Olu Falae, in his acceptance speech, thanked Pa Fasoranti and promised to bring all branches of Afenifere together.
God cooperating with us and assistance from Afenifere and the Yoruba nation will help us unite all groups,” he added.
Participants in the meeting included people from Yoruba-speaking states like Kogi and Kwara and among them were former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Chief Tokunbo Ajasin.
