Tinubu: Afenifere Disowns Statement Faulting S’Court Verdict

* Says final decisions by group rest with Fasoranti

Fidelis David in Akure

The leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has distanced itself from a communiqué released by the group’s Secretary General, Sola Ebiseni, faulting the Supreme Court judgment upholding President Bola Tinubu’s election.

THISDAY reported that a faction of the group led by Ayo Adebanjo had Wednesday berated the recent Supreme Court judgement which upheld President Bola Tinubu’s election win, bringing to an end a legal challenge brought by his two main rivals, who argued that his victory was marred by irregularities.
However, a statement yesterday by the group’s National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, clarified that Fasoranti, and other leaders were not aware of Ebiseni’s press release and did not authorise it.

The statement read: “The world will recall that the Leader of Afenifere himself, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, had congratulated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on his election into office, and also expressed solidarity over his victory at the apex court.
“It is then clearly underhanded and mischievous to have such preposterous attack on the judiciary by intemperate elements within the fold, fanning the embers of national discords with political motives, using the name of Afenifere.

“As the acting leader of the group, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, in the natural and traditional order of Afenifere, is expected to defer to his leader, who appointed him, Fasoranti, without reservations. To do otherwise is to tread such ignoble path in national discourse as this unfortunate release reveals.

“The meeting recently held in Ogbo Ijebu, at no point raised or decided on the attack on the judiciary as the statements of the General Secretary seemed to portray. The leaders of Afenifere would like to challenge Chief Ebiseni to offer the world, the true record of deliberations at the said meeting to confirm its concurrence with the communique he so released to the world.”

Afenifere said it believed that it iwas time for real governance beyond the politicking that the judiciary has sealed with the Supreme Court judgement.
“We look forward to good governance from the federal, state and local governments, and are prepared to offer constructive feedback, counsel and criticism in the quest for a better Nigeria, and a prosperous nation with viable federating entities.

“The ethos and structure of Afenifere vest the leadership authority in the leader as the Olori Ebi, until such time that he joins his forebears, notwithstanding whoever he has chosen to act on his behalf.
“Pa Adebanjo is an acting capacity, hence finality rests with the Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, OFR. Lai ku egiri, enikan o gbodo fi awo e se gbedu,” the group added.