The Pan Yoruba Socio-Political group, Afenifere, has named Oba Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as the new Chairman of its National Executive Committee.
Falae, who is also the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo in Akure North, Ondo State, was chosen during the group’s monthly meeting hosted by its national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, at his Akure residence.
National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, told reporters that the decision to appoint Oba Falae was made by Pa Fasoranti in order to reposition Afenifere and renew its efforts in promoting the Yoruba agenda.
“Oba Falae’s appointment is meant to reinvigorate the organisation with a view to ensuring that the House of Oduduwa is back on track to project the Yoruba mandate,” Ajayi stated.
During the meeting, Afenifere leaders reflected on the growing insecurity across Nigeria and renewed their call for restructuring as a critical solution to the country’s challenges. They called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to urgently begin the process of restructuring the nation.
“The meeting considered various challenges confronting the nation currently,” read a communique released after the session. “We are therefore calling on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to set the machinery in motion to restructure the country as a matter of urgency.”
Afenifere also expressed concern about the rising insecurity, citing incidents such as the abduction and killing of Ondo APC chairman Nelson Adegboyigiwa and the kidnapping of traditional rulers like Oba James Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye of Okoloke in Kogi State. The group said such events reflect the dire need for a decentralized policing system.
“In the light of the foregoing, Afenifere is reiterating its longstanding advocacy for the immediate take-off of State Police,” the group noted.
Commenting on the economic situation, Afenifere said that although the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported on inflation trends, food prices and transport costs remain high and are affecting ordinary Nigerians. The group urged the federal government to take swift steps to ease the burden.
The organization welcomed the plan for National Forestry Guards but insisted that states should handle implementation as part of broader security reforms. It also acknowledged the federal government’s decision to fund the rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway, describing it as a positive step.
The meeting, which was attended by members from Yoruba-speaking states, including Kwara and Kogi, also featured the presence of notable figures such as former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Chief Tokunbo Ajasin.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Falae promised to unite the different factions within Afenifere. “By the grace of God and with the support of Afenifere and the Yoruba nation, we’ll succeed in bringing the other groups, everybody together,” he said. “I intend to do all I can to bring all factions of Afenifere together in Papa’s lifetime.”
National Organizing Secretary Apagun Kole Omololu also voiced his confidence in Falae’s ability to reunite the group.
