The leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, in Ekiti State has reaffirmed its support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and restated its affiliation with the All Progressives Congress (APC), firmly distancing itself from a group known as Afenifere Ekiti.
The Ekiti State Chairman of Afenifere, Mr Jonathan Alade, and the Secretary, Mrs Ronke Okusanya, made the position clear on Thursday, describing members of the splinter group as self-seekers who do not represent the organisation’s ideals or leadership.
Their response follows a recent stakeholders’ meeting organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), during which a group identifying itself as Afenifere Ekiti publicly declared support for the party’s governorship candidate in the forthcoming 20 June governorship election, Mr Dare Bejide. At the meeting, the group claimed its endorsement was rooted in cultural and ideological alignment, describing itself as the custodian of progressive Yoruba values in Ekiti State.
However, the recognised leadership of Afenifere in the state has rejected those claims outright. In a statement signed by the Ekiti State Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Biodun Akin-Fasae, and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, the organisation said it had no association whatsoever with the group.
“We categorically disassociate ourselves from this group of political opportunists and charlatans. They are not members of Afenifere, nor do they have any authority to speak on our behalf,” the statement said.
According to Akin-Fasae, the group’s claims were false. They constituted an attempt to exploit Afenifere’s decades-long reputation and goodwill for personal and political gain.
“Their claims are baseless, and their actions are a clear attempt to hijack the good name of Afenifere for their selfish and pecuniary interests,” he said.
The statement further stressed that the Ekiti State chapter of Afenifere does not recognise the group and does not feature in its official register of members. It added that any claim by the group to leadership or representation of the organisation was misleading and deceptive.
Urging members of the public to disregard statements attributed to Afenifere Ekiti, the organisation said it would not be distracted by what it described as the antics of political opportunists seeking relevance.
“Afenifere, Ekiti State Chapter will continue to uphold its principles and values and will not compromise its integrity for any reason,” Akin-Fasae stated.
Reiterating its political stance, the organisation declared that it remains firmly aligned with the APC and fully supports Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election bid. It dismissed suggestions of any relationship with other political parties, including the ADC.
“We are affiliated with the APC, and we unequivocally support the candidacy of Mr Biodun Oyebanji,” the statement said. “We do not have any relationship with any other political party, including the ADC, which appears to be the platform these impostors are using to perpetuate their deceit.”
Political observers say the development highlights growing tensions ahead of the Ekiti governorship election, as political actors and interest groups seek to leverage respected socio-cultural organisations to bolster their electoral chances.
