Afenifere’s True Identity? Farotimi Says It’s Simply The Yoruba Label For Action Congress

Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has stated that Afenifere is essentially the Yoruba translation of the Action Group, the political party founded by the late Premier of the Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, Farotimi made this assertion on Thursday, clarifying that Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political group, was not created solely for the South-West people but for all Nigerians.

Speaking at the 97th posthumous birthday celebration of late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a former Afenifere leader, the group’s National Organizing Secretary emphasized that Afenifere was originally established as a national movement to address Nigeria’s longstanding challenges.

“It doesn’t matter what region you come from,” Farotimi said. “Our predecessors made it clear—Afenifere was not founded for the Yoruba alone. It was created to save Nigeria from self-destruction. Just as we rallied in 1993, today’s situation calls for a united front. We must rediscover our shared identity as Nigerians and find a collective solution.”

Following his remarks, a wave of debate erupted on social media. In response, Farotimi took to his handle (formerly Twitter) to provide further clarification. He cautioned against equating Afenifere with regional groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo or the Arewa Peoples Congress.

“You’re drawing inaccurate comparisons when you equate Afenifere with those groups,” he wrote. “Afenifere is the Yoruba name for the Action Group, which governed the Western Region and served as the official opposition in the Eastern and Northern assemblies, as well as the Federal House of Representatives. Not all Yoruba are members—Afenifere is about ideology, not ethnicity. Its performance in the West earned it widespread respect across Yorubaland.”

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.