The Ayo Adebanjo-led faction of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to secure the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Labeling Kanu’s continued incarceration as unjustifiable, the group described him as a political detainee and urged the President to take swift action.
This stance was outlined in a communiqué signed by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, following a meeting held at the Isanya Ogbo residence of its leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
“From all circumstances, particularly since his abduction in 2021 and rendition to Nigeria and since then subjected to controversial and conflicting legal proceedings in different courts by which his fair trial may no longer be guaranteed in the opinion of reasonable members of the public, it is clear that Nnamdi Kanu is indubitably a political detainee.
“In the interest of justice and national reconciliation, Afenifere urges President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu forthwith. There is no justifiable reason to continue to keep him in detention without trial,” the communiqué stated.
Additionally, the group announced the appointment of Barr. Dele Farotimi as its new National Organising Secretary.
Addressing concerns over national security, Afenifere expressed disappointment that the country’s insecurity has remained just as dire as it was under the previous administration.
The group also called for decisive and strategic measures to protect lives and property, citing recent security concerns raised by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, about the influx of bandits.
Reiterating its long-standing demand for restructuring, Afenifere emphasized the need for a decentralized policing system to enhance security across the nation.
“Nigeria, with its vast territory, population and as a federation, cannot be effectively and meaningfully secured with a single command unitary police structure, thus the need for the restructuring to ensure immediate constitutional institutionalization of state police,” the communiqué stated.
The meeting, presided over by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, had in attendance delegates from the six South-West states, as well as Kogi and Kwara.
Among them were former Lagos 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.
