2023: Afenifere Breaks Silence On Visit To Tinubu In Lagos

Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has opened up on its visit to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu.

Ezenwoko’s Blog reports that the group’s acting leader, Ayo Adebanjo had led some of its chieftains on a courtesy visit to Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence following his return from a medical trip abroad.

However, some political watchers and supporters of the group saw the visit as an endorsement of Tinubu’s presidential ambition in 2023.

But in a statement released on Tuesday by the group’s spokesman, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said the visit to Tinubu was purely humanitarian and not related to the 2023 presidency.

Ajayi added that the visit was just to welcome Tinubu back to the country after undergoing major surgery in the United States and recuperating in London.

He noted that the group may disagree on principles with Tinubu but the former Lagos governor is not an enemy of the Yoruba people.

He said, “The visit of our leaders to former Governor Bola Tinubu is purely on humanitarian ground. He is a Yoruba son. We do not forsake ourselves.

“Afenifere members are Omoluabis and humanists. What the leaders have done is the hallmark of thoroughbred Yoruba men and women.

“We may disagree on principles but we are not political enemies. Even if there is a disagreement on issues, it does not mean that we should not relate.”

The group held its monthly meeting on Tuesday at Adebanjo’s residence in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, to discuss some issues affecting the South West and the country in general.

Those at the meeting were the Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Assistant Secretary-General, Leke Mabinuori, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Supo Sonibare, Abagun Kole Omololu, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Chief Dayo Duyile, Dr Yomi Atte and Prof Opeyemi Agbaje among others.