Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has appealed to the Federal Government and Labour leaders to engage more in consultation so as to quickly resolve the issues surrounding the fuel subsidy removal and avert the industrial action called by labour leaders.
The organisation called on the federal government to redouble efforts at finding a lasting solution to the intractable problem of exchange rate in the country, in order to bring succour Nigerians.
According to the group, these decisions were taken at the meeting of the organization held at the residence of its leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State.
According to a communique signed by its national publicity secretary Comrade Jare Ajayi, the organization also frowned at the ridiculing of traditional rulers, by the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, just as it urged the former president to tender an unreserved apology to the traditional rulers.
“Afenifere was taken aback by the avoidable and unwarranted incident that took place at Iseyin, Oyo State on Friday, September 15, 2023 where former President Olusegun Obasanjo commanded Royal Fathers at the gathering to stand up (and after complying), were ordered to sit down. It was as though a military commander was giving orders to his troops.
“We Yoruba respect our traditional institutions, the arrowhead of which are our traditional rulers, who, traditionally and spiritually, have acquired the status of deities. It’s not surprising that they are referred to as ‘Igbakeji Orisa’!
“In view of the attempt to ridicule the respected Obaship institution in Yorubaland, Afenifere hereby demands an unreserved Public Apology to Obas from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Our tradition describes who we are. As such, no effort must be spared to prevent the rubbish of our noble tradition. In that way, it’s hereby recommended that Royal Fathers are spared the trouble to stand up at public functions as obtained in the United Kingdom among others, “the communique reads.
The organization noted that Afenifere is not a political party, but an organization that promotes ideology.
“To make Afenifere to be stronger, more cohesive and more dynamic in such a manner that would make it easier for it to keep fulfilling its mandate of promoting, protecting, enhancing and pursuing overall Yoruba interests within the country, Nigeria, that is truly federal, democratic and fair to all.”
