Afenifere was formed as a socio-cultural organization for the Yoruba people of Nigeria over 70 years ago. 40 years after its formation, the Yorubas in the United Kingdom and Europe came together in unity to represent the group known as UK & Europe Afenifere group.
In this interview, the Secretary of the group in the UK & Europe, Engr. Anthony Ajayi revealed the group struggle for a better welfare for the Yoruba sons and daughters and as well as a better Nigeria. Excerpt!
Sir, can you give us an insight into Afenifere and what it represent?
Afenifere is one indivisible body, the 2nd Oldest political organisation after ANC of South Africa in Africa. Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the the first leader. And after the death of Awolowo, others leaders including Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Jonathan Odebiyi; Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti have all emerged. Every pronouncements and every act were done in the name of the leader until he is call to glory.
As we speak, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti remained the substantive leader of Afenifere worldwide. Pa Fasoranti was elected at a general meeting held in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State. Late Baba Omojola (London school of Economist & political science University of London, 1st class trained economist) proposed Pa Fasoranti nomination, it was seconded by HE Senator Sefiu Adegbenga Kaka. After his election, meetings thus moved to his home in Akure as the substantive leader.
After the death of his daughter, Olufunke Fasoranti – Olakunrin, Pa Fasoranti decided to take it easy. He then appointed Chief Ayo Adebanjo as Acting leader in writting, and doccumented in Afenifere records through a public communique and Oba Diipo Olaitan as Deputy Leader.
Afenifere operates in the strictess Yoruba Tradition of olori ebi. The leader is like a king. No King is present until the reigning one WAJA.
All Afenifere leaders are elected by the general house. After Baba Awolowo, H. E. Bisi Onabanjo proposed baba Ajasin.
H.E, Bola Ige proposed Baba Adesanya.
Baba Omojola proposed Baba Fasoranti. Election can only take place after the demise of the leader. The leader can step aside for an Acting leader but he remains the leader untill death. Every actions is in his name and in his abode. Yoruba is a Nation not a people.
Sir, during the 2023 elections, there seems to be a division in Afenere. Why did you support President Bola Tinubu, while others supported Peter Obi?
There is no division and there is no faction in Afenifere. We supported Tinubu because, even though he contested to be the President of Nigeria, he is a Yoruba man. We support anything of Yoruba interests that is why our leader worldwide, Pa Faoronti supported Tinubu.
Tell us, is there any difference between Afenifere in Nigeria and the UK & Europe?
No. There’s no difference whatsoever. As long as we are concerned, the group is one globally. Nigeria is the parent body for all of us around the world. The group was formed for the benefit of the Yoruba race. We are one and the same. We are the Omoluwabis anywhere in the world.
What has been the impact of the group on Yorubas in particular and other Nigerians generally in the UK and Europe since its formation?
As you already know, Afenifere was formed as a socio-political organisation for the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Our objectives is to ensure better life for all Yorubas whether in Nigeria or in diaspora. Our people are our primary concern. We make sure we stand on the part of unity to bring development to our region in Nigeria and we have been doing that for over the years. However, we really cannot do anything without collaboration with fellow Nigerians. We are a Nation amongst other Nations in Nigeria. We need each other to develop and grow. This is the reason the group is fighting for justice, equity and fairness in the governing structure of Nigeria over the years. This struggle is for the benefit of all Nigerians not only the Yoruba people.
Every region in Nigeria needs to set aside their differences in order to chart a course for the future. We are one people and one Nigeria whether a Christian or Muslim. We the Yorubas are interwoven with each other. We have families of different faiths. We live with each other, eat from same plates. We cannot change our way of life. We are happy living with each other regardless of our faiths. We have seen some Nigerian leaders speak carelessly in public thereby creating an atmosphere for tribal, ethnic or religious intolerance.
So, another ways we are making impact on our people and as well other Nigerians is through propagation of true federalism. True federalism is the only appropriate governmental principle for countries with huge ethno-cultural diversities. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups. We only need committed leaders to operate federal institutions that can accommodate our ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic diversities and nurture a sense of national unity.
Sir, are you saying that Nigeria currently does not have leaders who can make positive impact on the citizens?
That is not what I’m saying. What is missing is the commitment and the will of the Nigerian leaders to do the right things for the citizens. Nigerians are yarning for leaders who can restructure the country or convene a sovereign national conference to get a new constitution. The zoning idea can only ensure political equality but will not resolve the multifaceted problems militating against growth and development of Nigeria. Restructuring is sacrosanct to the survival of Nigeria than the zoning ideology being propagated by our leaders.
Developed countries around the world adopt political arrangements that best suit their nature, context and composition. This arrangement facilitates a substantial amount of co-operation among the various segments and institutions all in a bid to achieve the desired end of the good life for the citizens.
The current structure has gone worse than envisage with insecurity and high level of corruption pervading and threatening the existence of Nigeria. The imposition of the 1999 constitution ensured not only the underdevelopment and destruction of Nigeria but the unfair and criminal transfer of every resources. Nigeria cannot develop and grow like other countries as long as the current structure is still in place.
Sir, is this a call for the President Tinubu administration to restructure Nigeria?
Yes. In fact, President Tinubu will write his name in gold if he do it.
Now that the Supreme Court has affirmed Present Tinubu as duly elected President of Nigeria, what are your expectations?
Simple. Restructure Nigeria. Find a way to ameliorate the suffering of the citizens, even though it is not his fault, but what he inherited from immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari. He should subsidise food and transportation for the less privileged where possible. Education should be priority at all levels. I suppose, he should cut down on the costs of governance at all levels. We should cut our clothes according to our material. Let us all understand that we are all on hosterity measures.
Like i said earlier, we in Afenifere have always maintained that restructuring is the only solution to the multifaceted problems of Nigeria. We believe Tinubu will do a good job, he is a well educated Yoruba man, his past record as the Governor of Lagos State is well tested, I believe he should revisit the constitution to either go back to the 1963 constitution where all the regions or this time states, should be accountable to its resources, be responsible for state police local government in their regions or state. He should find a way to diversify the economy away from crude, explore on local mineral, encourage manufacturing and used of locally made products, at this stage we should stop importation of goods and products that are available locally.
The current constitution vested too much power to the centre and this cannot savage the real problems of Nigerians. Our leaders have amended the constitution to become obscure for direction. Many Nigerians including our most revered lawyers are finding it difficult to smoothly interpret the constitution. This cannot continue. We need a constitution with a clear direction for the people of Nigeria. A constitution that fully exemplify democracy.
Nigeria is battling with slow economic growth. The national currency (Naira) has been grossly devalued amid a volatile exchange rate. Inflation and unemployment rates are high and rising. Rises in the cost of living are unprecedented and unbearable. Cost of governance must be brought down. All arms of government must make spirited efforts at reducing their running cost. The Nigerian masses have suffered enough and should not continue to suffer.
