Afenifere: We’re Now Justified for Opposing Buhari’s Presidential Bids

•Accuses president of encouraging graft, nepotism

James Sowole in Akure

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, yesterday described the recent crisis of confidence among ethnic groups in the country as justifying its opposition to the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in his first and second terms.

The Leader of the group, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, said insecurity, corruption, and nepotism ravaging the Buhari administration validated its reservations about his suitability for the presidency in both the 2015 and 2019 elections.

Fasoranti spoke after the 70th-anniversary thanksgiving service of the Ondo State chapter of Afenifere at Saint David’s Cathedral, Akure.
According to him, corruption and nepotism are the hallmarks of the Buhari administration since he assumed office six years ago.

Afenifere was formed 70 years ago by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the house of the first civilian Governor of the old Ondo State, the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin.
Fasoranti said: “We were justified in not supporting President Muhammadu Buhari. He has not been doing well; that is why we did not support him. There is insecurity in the land. There is corruption everywhere.

“All those who committed one crime or the other, he left them in office to continue their nefarious activities. Those who he is supposed to sack, he left them in office. Thank God, we did not support him in his elections.

“My daughter was killed in Ore on her way to Lagos for no reason; up till now, they have not concluded the trial. I know justice will be done.”
Speaking on the 70th anniversary of the group, Fasoranti said it had not been easy for the group, especially during the military regime when members were sent to prison or in exile for championing democracy.

He said the struggle for democracy during the NADECO days tested the faith of members, who either renounced their membership or fled into exile.
The Bishop of Akure Diocese, Anglican Communion, Simeon Borokini, in his sermon, said 70 was significant in the life of an individual or an organization.

He said for Afenifere to have survived 70 years despite several challenges, showed God’s hand in the affairs of the mainstream Yoruba organisation.

He, however, lauded the activities of Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, in setting up the Amotekun security outfit that has been doing a good job in securing the state from Fulani herders and bandits.

Borokini said the Yoruba should be united to support Akeredolu and his Amotekun project in order to prevent attack by suspected killer herdsmen and bandits.
“Famine is imminent; a situation where you took loan to set up a farm and cows come to destroy it, this would lead to famine in the country.

“The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah are not as high as what is obtainable in Nigeria. If God does not destroy Nigeria, he should apologise to the Sodom and Gomorrah,” he added.

However, he said with all the challenges confronting the country, Afenifere should be commended for coming to glorify God on its 70th anniversary.
At the service were Akeredolu, his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, Chiefs Sola Ebiseni, Kole Omololu, Femi Aluko and Olu Falae.