2027: Afenifere denies endorsing Tinubu for re-election
*As Diasporans question acclaimed communique, signatories
The group affirmed its commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and equity, and warned the public that Chief Omololu Abagun and his co-travelers are unknown to the organisation’s structure and leadership representation.
The Afenifere Diaspora USA has distanced itself from a press statement attributed to one Chief Omololu Abagun, claiming the group has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, according to THE WHISTLER
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prof. Sikiru Fadairo and Secretary, Comrade David Adenekan, the group described the claim as false and laughable, saying no such decision has been taken by the organisation.
“Is it not a figment of imagination for one Chief Omololu Abagun to sit at one place in the corner of his room to issue a false statement that claimed Afenifere has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a re-election in 2027?
“Is this not laughable? To say the obvious fact, in Afenifere, any decision of such magnitude of national interest is always taken after a rigorous brainstorming to evaluate or weigh the pros and cons of such a decision, having taken into great cognisance the overall interest of the whole country. No such decision of great national interest will be taken without adequate consultations with every organ of the organisation,” the statement said.
The group noted that any decision of such magnitude would be taken after rigorous brainstorming and consultations with every organ of the organisation.
Afenifere Diaspora USA also questioned the basis of Abagun’s claim, asking where the communique was and who signed it.
The group further debunked Abagun’s statement that Tinubu is not a Yoruba president, saying that while the statement may be true in the sense that Tinubu is not representing the goodwill of Yoruba people, the president’s appointments have been lopsided in favour of Yorubas.
“We probe into PBAT’S appointments is suggestive of lopsided appointments in favour of people of Yoruba tribe, including Kogi and Kwara states to the detriment of others in the other four geo-political zones.
“We stand by the true meaning of Afenifere, ‘love thy neighbours as you love yourself.’
“We are also determined to continue to embrace the philosophy of the founding fathers of Afenifere to always uphold the principles of justice, fairness and equity; and to corroborate the fact of the statement based on empirical evidence that PBAT’S appointments are lopsided to favor Yorubas that are his great disciples. This cannot be overemphasised.
“Prejudice apart and without mincing words, the popular slogan among many of PBAT’S acolytes who are benefitting from his plum appointments and they quick to play to the gallery by singing and echoing, ‘Bola on your mandate we shall stand’ is not for the interest of Yoruba as a people,” the group said.
The group affirmed its commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and equity, and warned the public that Chief Omololu Abagun and his co-travelers are unknown to the organisation’s structure and leadership representation.
“In the interest of unity of purpose and strong synergy, the general public must note that, Chief Omololu Abagun and his co-travelers are unknown to the organization structure and leadership representation of Afenifere, a disclaimer indeed,” the group said.
The DEFENDER reports that on March 4, 2025 , the Afenifere Diaspora USA was reported by The Nation Newspaper to have reaffirmed its leadership position as the sole representative of Yoruba interests in the United States, warning against attempts to fragment the group.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Prof. Sikiru Fadairo and Secretary Comrade David Adenekan, the group emphasised its role as the officially recognized body representing the apex Yoruba sociopolitical organization, Afenifere, under the new acting leadership of Oba Olaitan Oladipo following the passing of Pa Ayodele Samuel Adebanjo.
The statement underscored Afenifere Diaspora USA’s mission to rebrand and strategically reposition the movement in alignment with the welfare ideology of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The group highlighted its commitment to fostering socioeconomic development both in the diaspora and in Nigeria.
Drawing historical parallels, the group likened its role to that of Egbe Omo Oduduwa, the Yoruba nationalist organization established in 1945 in London by notable figures such as Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Akinola Maja.
Afenifere Diaspora USA also urged the public to disregard any individuals or groups in the U.S. falsely claiming to represent Afenifere’s national leadership.
“Apart from Afenifere Diaspora USA that is officially recognized by the national body to represent Afenifere in the United States, it is of a great note for the general public to discountenance other groups or individuals in United States who are directly or tacitly representing Afenifere National body”.
Citing a recent interview with Oba Olaitan Oladipo on Arise News, the group reiterated that Afenifere remains a unified entity, stressing, “Afenifere is a one family umbrella as affirmed by our new acting national leader, Oba Olaitan Oladipo during a well broadcast interview, anchored by a veteran journalist, Dr. Reuben Abati on Arise News”.
Issuing a formal disclaimer, the leadership warned against unauthorized representations, labeling such claims as misleading, noting, “It is a tale of truth and falsehood to assume such titles or positions”.
