The Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Describing Kanu as a political detainee, Afenifere stated that his continued detention is unjustifiable, urging the President to take prompt action to address the matter.
This call was made in a communiqué signed by the deputy leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, after a meeting held at the Isanya Ogbo residence of the group's leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. The communiqué highlighted that the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s abduction in 2021, his rendition to Nigeria, and the subsequent controversial legal proceedings make it clear that Kanu is undoubtedly a political detainee. Afenifere emphasized that the fairness of Kanu’s trial could no longer be guaranteed, urging President Tinubu to release him in the interest of justice and national reconciliation.
The communiqué further stressed that there is no justifiable reason to continue holding Kanu in detention without trial. In addition, Afenifere announced the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as its new National Organizing Secretary.
The meeting also touched upon the issue of insecurity in the country, which the group believes remains as serious under the current administration as it was during the previous one. In response, Afenifere called for bold, positive steps to ensure the genuine protection of lives and property. The group referenced a recent alarm by Governor Seyi Makinde about the influx of bandits and reiterated its call for the restructuring of the country, particularly the need for the constitutional institutionalization of state police. Afenifere argued that Nigeria, with its large territory and population, cannot be effectively secured under a single-command unitary police structure.
The meeting, presided over by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, also included delegates from six South West states, as well as Kogi and Kwara states. Notable attendees included former Lagos State Deputy Governor Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Secretary-General Chief Sola Ebiseni, Chief Akin Osuntokun, Professor Akin Onigbinde, Elder Tola Mobolurin, Dr. Gbola Adetuji, Olorogun Pop Ayo-Banjo, and National Publicity Secretary Prince Justice Faloye.
