- Afenifere criticized President Tinubu for perceived ethnic bias in federal appointments, warning it could harm inter-ethnic relations and national peace
- The group emphasized the need for inclusivity in governance, rejecting favoritism towards the Yoruba and urging a balanced approach to appointments
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has voiced concerns about what it perceives as an ethnic bias in President Bola Tinubu‘s federal appointments.
Afenifere’s leadership, through its leader and National Publicity Secretary, Ayo Adebanjo and Justice Faleye, expressed these sentiments in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Afenifere cautioned that such favouritism could harm inter-ethnic relations and undermine peace in Nigeria. They specifically cited Tinubu’s appointments of Yoruba figures to leadership positions across key sectors, including criminal justice, economic agencies, and the military.
The statement emphasized that while Afenifere opposes ethnic dominance, it would not condone a preference solely for the Yoruba ethnic group.
Afenifere stated, “We fought against Northern hegemony and cannot remain silent if similar favouritism is shown to the Yoruba by Tinubu. President Buhari was often criticized for Northern bias, but Tinubu’s approach appears to favour one ethnic group, not the South as a whole.”
The group emphasized its stance against policies that worsen poverty and urged Tinubu to adopt a more inclusive approach.
Afenifere also noted its support for Peter Obi in the last election, arguing that backing Tinubu based on his policies in Lagos and his alleged disregard for Nigeria’s diverse population would have been irresponsible.
Following Major General Olufemi Oluyede’s appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff during General Tahoreed Lagbaja’s medical leave, public accusations of a “Yorubanization” of federal appointments gained traction. Critics argue other competent officers outside the Southwest could have assumed the position.
In response, the Presidency denied these accusations. Special Adviser on Public Communications Sunday Dare highlighted on X (formerly Twitter) that Tinubu’s appointees span various regions, with the North West having the most (eight), followed by the South West (five), North Central (four), North East (three), and one each for the South-South and South East.