- The Oba Olaitan Oladipo-led faction of Afenifere has declared its intent to legally pursue a change in the country’s leadership, citing poor management of national affairs.
- The group has officially announced a collaborative effort with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to drive its “trajectory of change.”
- This meeting marks one of the first major gatherings since Oba Oladipo was named leader following the recent passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
A faction of the Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current state of Nigeria, vowing to use all legitimate means to effect a change in government.
During a monthly meeting held in Ilesa, Osun State, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the National Leader, Oba Olaitan Oladipo, emphasized that the group will no longer accept the current direction of the country.
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Oba Oladipo noted that poor governance has made life increasingly difficult for citizens.
He revealed that the group is now opening its doors to individuals and organizations that share its core ideology.
A key part of this strategy involves revitalizing its relationship with the Social Democratic Party (SDP). “Nigeria must be governed properly. The way it is governed now, we don’t like it, and we will do everything we can legitimately and legally to change it,” Oladipo stated.
The meeting took on a broader political dimension with the attendance of SDP leadership. Mr. Goke Omigbodun, the Osun State Chairman of Afenifere, described the session as extraordinary, noting that the “essential core” of Afenifere’s vision now resides within the SDP.
He reminded attendees that the party was originally a creation of the group and argued that the platform remains the best vehicle for their political interests.
Also in attendance was former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who called for absolute unity among Yoruba leaders.
He cautioned against playing politics with the collective interests of the race and urged a more committed approach to solving the unique challenges facing the Yoruba people within the Nigerian federation.
The gathering featured several notable figures, including legal activist Dele Farotimi, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Bucknor Akerele, and SDP National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye.
This renewed political activity comes shortly after the passing of the group’s former leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, at age 97, signaling a swift transition into a more active opposition phase for this faction of the pan-Yoruba group.
