Ola Akinwunmi
The Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere has vehemently disowned a group falsely claiming to represent its interests, which recently demanded the suspension of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, over an ongoing corruption probe.
In a sharp rebuke, Afenifere labeled the faction “fraudulent” and accused it of hijacking its name to undermine the SGF.
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja by its Organizing Secretary, Abagun Omololu, Afenifere clarified that it remains a unified body under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, with no factions. Omololu condemned the unauthorized statement targeting Akume as “mischievous, defamatory, and politically motivated,” urging the public to disregard it.
“Afenifere does not have factions. There is only one Afenifere, and we categorically repudiate this dishonest attempt to smear the SGF,” Omololu asserted. He accused members of the Labour Party in Yoruba land of masquerading as Afenifere representatives to fuel “bitterness and selfish ambition,” warning against further exploitation of the group’s revered legacy.
The controversy stems from a recent call by the purported faction for President Bola Tinubu to suspend Akume, alleging undue influence in an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation involving Andrew Uchi, an individual previously linked to the SGF. Uchi was arrested in March over alleged multibillion-naira bribery and money laundering, with properties seized in Abuja, Benue, and Plateau states.
However, Akume’s office swiftly distanced itself from Uchi, clarifying that he “was never an aide” and condemning efforts to “twist facts” for political gain. Afenifere echoed this, revealing that Akume himself had flagged Uchi’s “irregularities” to the EFCC. “To accuse the SGF of complicity is malicious and embarrassing to the Yoruba nation,” Omololu stated, emphasizing support for due process.
The rogue group had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the EFCC to update the public on its probe, threatening nationwide protests. This drew sharp criticism from a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), which denounced the move as “prejudicial, evidence-free, and politically driven.”
“Mr. Uchi is merely an opportunist who name-drops, not a government appointee,” the CSOs stressed, warning against “manipulative slander” of leaders. They reaffirmed support for anti-corruption efforts but cautioned against weaponizing investigations for vendettas.
Afenifere reiterated its non-partisan stance, urging the EFCC to operate without coercion. “We stand for justice, not political vendettas,” Omololu declared, vowing to protect the group’s integrity and Nigeria’s unity.
As the EFCC continues its probe, Afenifere and allied groups have called for public restraint, dismissing the shadowy faction’s demands as a destabilizing ploy. The SGF’s office has thanked Nigerians for their trust, pledging full cooperation with authorities while upholding “transparency and accountability.”
