The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has issued a caution to President Bola Tinubu over what it perceives as favoritism towards the Yoruba in federal appointments.
The group, in a statement from its leader, Ayo Adebanjo, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faleye, voiced concerns that this trend could strain inter-ethnic relations and disrupt peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
Afenifere emphasized that it “cannot condone the outrageous bias” that has seen Yorubas appointed to lead multiple critical arms of government, including criminal justice, economic sectors, and security agencies.
“We can never condone the outrageous bias by Tinubu to make Yorubas head of all arms of the criminal justice system… as well as the forces (army, police, customs, immigration, DSS),” the statement read.
The group criticized Tinubu’s approach, likening it to the alleged northern favoritism seen during former President Buhari’s administration.
It warned against any form of ethnic hegemony, as Afenifere’s mission has always been for the well-being of all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity.
Afenifere further reminded Tinubu that its support lies with equitable governance, noting that it had backed Peter Obi in the last election due to shared values of unity and fairness.
“By the virtue of our name, Afenifere, meaning those that want good for all humans, we won’t support any government that engages in undemocratic practices,” the statement continued.
Recently, the term “Yorubanisation” has circulated on social media, accusing the administration of prioritizing Yoruba interests, especially following the appointment of Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff.
Some critics argue that other qualified officers could have been appointed from outside the South West region.
Responding to the claims, Presidential Special Adviser on Public Communications, Sunday Dare, shared data on the regional distribution of security agency heads under Tinubu.
“Facts do not lie… The label of him favouring Yorubas in the Security set up does not fit,” Dare stated, highlighting that the North West holds the most appointments (eight), followed by the South West (five) and other regions accordingly.
