Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of dismantling the foundational pillars of Nigeria’s federal structure and worsening the nation’s social, political, and economic conditions.
In a scathing statement jointly signed by its Leader, Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Afenifere said it is “alarmed at the rate and audacity” with which the Tinubu government is allegedly “destructuring” Nigeria, noting a steady erosion of democratic freedoms, institutional checks, and economic stability.
“Instead of restructuring towards a prosperous and egalitarian federation, Tinubu is destructuring Nigeria with his autocratic attack on the fundamental pillars of democratic federalism,” the statement read.
Afenifere accused the administration of suppressing dissent, pointing to the recent banning of the politically charged song “Tell Your Papa” by rapper Eedris Abdulkareem as evidence of shrinking democratic space. The song was a direct response to controversial remarks made by Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, regarding the country’s situation.
“The ban signals a leadership disconnected from citizens’ realities and inclined more to autocratic control than fostering freedom and creativity,” Afenifere stated, warning that such actions threaten artistic expression and public discourse.
On the economy, the group criticized what it called “ultraliberal policies” like the removal of fuel subsidies and currency floating, blaming them for spiraling inflation, rising unemployment, and eroding purchasing power. According to the group, these policies have compounded the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
“The promise of economic prosperity remains unfulfilled, marooning the majority in hardship. Rather than offer succour, the government is further suffocating the democratic space,” it said.
Afenifere also raised alarm over worsening insecurity, referencing recent data from HumAngle’s Conflict Tracker which reported 1,420 deaths and over 537 kidnappings in the first quarter of 2025 alone. It condemned fresh attacks by bandits and Fulani herdsmen in Plateau, Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Nasarawa states, and renewed calls for the federal government to ban open grazing and adopt ranching as a long-term solution.
In Ondo State, four communities in Akure North LGA were attacked, resulting in the deaths of 20 residents and the abduction of nine surveyors. In Benue State, armed herders reportedly killed three members of the state’s security force, sparking widespread protests and property destruction.
The group reiterated its demand for the establishment of state police, insisting that a single national police force cannot adequately secure a nation as large and diverse as Nigeria.
“Politics aside, best practices tell us that one police hierarchy cannot meet the security demands of a country like ours. Yet, for political reasons, the Tinubu administration continues to resist state policing,” Afenifere said.
The group declared its solidarity with Nigerians facing “insecurity, economic hardship, and suppressed freedoms,” and urged the government to shift from rhetorics to real reform. It called for policies that would stimulate economic growth, protect free speech and assembly, and ensure safety for all citizens.
“We urge the government to implement pragmatic plans geared toward collective safety, equitable development, and freedom for all,” the statement concluded.
Afenifere’s remarks add to the growing voices of concern over Nigeria’s current trajectory under the Tinubu administration, reflecting broader calls for political restructuring, social justice, and inclusive governance.