The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has appointed Oba Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Olu of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, as Chairman of its National Executive Committee.
The appointment was announced after Afenifere’s monthly meeting, held at the Akure residence of its National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti. The group reiterated its demand for the restructuring of Nigeria and expressed concerns over the country’s deepening insecurity and other pressing challenges.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, told journalists that Pa Fasoranti personally made the appointment to reposition the group and reinvigorate its role in advancing the Yoruba agenda. According to him, Oba Falae’s leadership is expected to restore unity and purpose within the organisation and reaffirm its commitment to the House of Oduduwa.
In its communiqué, Afenifere stated that it had rigorously assessed Nigeria’s mounting problems and concluded that restructuring remains the most effective solution. The group urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to initiate the process without delay.
The organisation congratulated President Tinubu on his administration’s second anniversary but encouraged him to prioritise restructuring as a core objective in his third year. It also urged the government to act swiftly on the high cost of food and transportation, noting that inflation continues to weigh heavily on Nigerians despite reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
While commending the federal government’s National Forestry Guards initiative, Afenifere advocated for its implementation at the state level to strengthen local security frameworks. The group also thanked the President for approving funds for the rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Expressway.
The meeting drew participants from Yoruba-speaking states, including Kogi and Kwara, and notable figures such as Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Chief Tokunbo Ajasin.
In response to his appointment, Oba Falae expressed gratitude to Pa Fasoranti and pledged to unite all factions within Afenifere. “With God’s help and the support of the Yoruba people, we will bring everyone together during Papa’s lifetime,” he said.
Supporting the move, the National Organising Secretary, Apagun Kole Omololu, affirmed that Oba Falae’s leadership would foster unity within the group.
