Afenifere Warns OF Disintegration As Tinubu Gov’t Dismantles Federal System

Afenifere’s stance was communicated by the faction loyal to the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, through a statement signed by its leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye.

The group claimed that the current administration is systematically “de-structuring the Nigerian federation” and stifling democratic liberties. It accused the Tinubu government of overstepping its bounds by undermining the federating units, the judiciary, and the legislature, while also violating basic rights such as freedom of speech and association. Additionally, Afenifere cited the increasing insecurity and the country’s deteriorating economic situation as evidence of the administration’s mismanagement.

Afenifere specifically condemned the government’s decision to ban the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, describing the action as a direct attack on freedom of expression.

The statement read, “Instead of restructuring Nigeria into a more prosperous and egalitarian federation, President Tinubu is dismantling the country with his autocratic approach to democratic federalism. The government has usurped powers from the federating units, undermined the judiciary, and trampled on the legislative arm. These actions, along with the stifling of free speech, rising insecurity, and the destruction of our economic foundations, raise serious concerns about how much more the federation can endure before it implodes.”

The group also emphasized that the suppression of free speech, highlighted by the ban on Abdulkareem’s song, is a worrying sign of the administration’s disregard for citizens’ voices and its inclination toward maintaining autocratic control over fostering an environment of freedom and creativity.

Afenifere pointed to the rising insecurity in Nigeria, citing a report by HumAngle’s Conflict Tracker, which documented 1,420 deaths and 537 kidnappings in the first quarter of 2025. The group attributed this surge in violence to the government’s failure to adequately address citizens’ security concerns, leading to widespread frustration.

In response, Afenifere called for the establishment of State Police as a crucial step to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges. The group also advocated for the implementation of ranching systems to reduce clashes between farmers and herders.