Afenifere Calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Urges Tinubu to Act Swiftly
The Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Report gathered by YEPS News indicates that Afenifere described Kanu as a political detainee, emphasizing that his continued detention is unjustifiable. The group called on the President to take decisive action to address the matter.
This call was made in a communiqué signed by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, following a meeting held at the Isanya Ogbo residence of the association’s leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
“Considering the circumstances surrounding his abduction in 2021, subsequent rendition to Nigeria, and the prolonged, conflicting legal proceedings he has faced, Nnamdi Kanu is clearly a political detainee.
“In the interest of justice and national reconciliation, Afenifere urges President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu without further delay. There is no legitimate reason to keep him in detention without trial,” the communiqué read.
Additionally, YEPS News reports that the group announced the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as its new National Organizing Secretary.
The communiqué also expressed deep concerns over the persistent security challenges in the country, stating that the situation remains as dire as it was under the previous administration.
Consequently, Afenifere called on President Tinubu to take bold, strategic, and ideological steps to ensure the genuine protection of lives and property.
Citing the recent alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde regarding the influx of bandits, the group reiterated its long-standing demand for restructuring.
“Nigeria, with its vast territory and population, cannot be effectively and meaningfully secured under a single-command unitary police structure. There is an urgent need for restructuring to ensure the constitutional institutionalization of state police,” the communiqué stated.
According to YEPS News, the meeting was presided over by Deputy Leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan and attended by delegates from the six South-West states, as well as Kogi and Kwara. Other notable attendees included former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; Afenifere 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.