The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as an unconstitutional usurpation of democratic governance.
The group made its stance known in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Caucus meeting held at the residence of its late leader, Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, on Tuesday.
Burial Arrangements for Ayo Adebanjo
Afenifere announced that the burial ceremonies for the late elder statesman, Adebanjo, would hold from April 30 to May 4, 2025, in collaboration with his family and other stakeholders. Additionally, a symposium in his honour will take place on April 10, 2025, at the Muson Centre in Lagos, commemorating what would have been his 97th birthday.
Rejection of Emergency Rule in Rivers State
The group reiterated its earlier condemnation, alongside the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), of Tinubu’s imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, which led to the dissolution of the State House of Assembly and the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
Afenifere argued that no provision in the 1999 Constitution permits the federal government to dismantle a democratically elected state government. It particularly dismissed references to Sections 305(5) and 11(4), stating that these do not grant such powers to the president.
The group also lambasted the 10th National Assembly for failing to check the executive’s excesses, accusing lawmakers of complicity in undermining democracy. It criticized the use of a voice vote —rather than a transparent two-thirds majority vote—to approve the emergency declaration, calling it a betrayal of Nigerians.
Call for Senate Leadership to Resign
Afenifere demanded the immediate resignation of the Senate President and House Speaker, citing a loss of moral authority after presiding over what it termed an "illegitimate vote of confidence" in themselves. The group warned that Nigeria risks sliding into autocracy, comparing Tinubu’s actions to Adolf Hitler’s hijacking of German democracy.
Appeal for Democratic Resistance
The organization called on Nigerians of goodwill to resist the erosion of democracy through lawful means and urged the judiciary, civil society, and the international community to intervene before the nation’s constitutional order collapses.
The communiqué was signed and dated March 25, 2025, reaffirming Afenifere’s commitment to federalism, rule of law, and democratic integrity.
Meanwhile, the burial of Adebanjo is expected to draw dignitaries from across the country, serving as both a celebration of his legacy and a potential rallying point for opposition voices.
