Akin Osuntokun, former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, has asserted that Afenifere was originally established as a political party by the late Obafemi Awolowo, former Premier of the defunct Western Region, and not as a socio-cultural organisation.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Saturday, Osuntokun argued that the widespread belief that Afenifere is merely a socio-cultural group for the Yoruba people is a distortion of its original purpose. He emphasized that Awolowo conceived Afenifere as the political arm of any party it aligned with.
“Afenifere, in our own description, is not a socio-political organisation. The ambiguity came when Chief Awolowo started Egbe Omo Oduduwa. He also founded Afenifere, but people tend to confuse the two,” Osuntokun said.
He further clarified: “Afenifere, founded by Awolowo, is actually the political arm of any party that Afenifere would join. It is essentially a political party. That was the conception of the man who started it. In 1963, he made a presidential address and called anybody who associates Afenifere with only the Yoruba people a traitor.
“He also said anyone who calls Afenifere a socio-cultural group is a traitor. Go and read his presidential address in 1963,” Osuntokun added.
Impact of Military Rule on Afenifere’s Identity
Osuntokun attributed the common misconception about Afenifere’s identity to the prolonged military rule in Nigeria, which restricted the existence of political parties.
“Part of the reason why people get it confused is that during the long interregnum of the military in power, you could not have a political party. That was the cover under which politicians, particularly those on the left of the centre, gathered to engage in discussions. Effectively, it was a political pressure group,” he explained.
Ongoing Dispute Within Afenifere
Osuntokun’s remarks come at a time when divisions within Afenifere have intensified. On January 29, the Reuben Fasoranti-led faction of Afenifere declared itself as the “only authentic” pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.
The statement followed the appointment of Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, as the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere by the Ayo Adebanjo-led faction. This development further deepened the existing rift within the group.
Afenifere, historically recognized as a leading voice for Yoruba interests in Nigerian politics, has played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape. However, the ongoing leadership dispute and ideological disagreements have raised questions about the group’s unity and future direction.
With Osuntokun’s comments reigniting the debate over Afenifere’s true identity, political analysts believe that the conversation will continue to shape discussions around the group’s role in contemporary Nigerian politics.
