Afenifere Renews Call For True Federalism, State Police
A stalwart advocate for the rights and interests of the Yoruba people, the Afenifere socio-cultural organisation has reaffirmed its leadership structure and called for the implementation of true federalism and the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the organisation’s monthly general meeting held on May 27, 2025, at the residence of its leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, in Ilesha, Osun State.
The communique was signed by Chief Sola Ebiseni, Secretary-General, and Prince Justice Faloye, National Publicity Secretary.
The meeting, which was attended by delegates from member states, paid tributes to previous leaders, including the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
The organisation expressed concerns over the current state of the nation, particularly the insecurity and the need for restructuring.
Afenifere reiterated its commitment to restructuring the federation to ensure true federalism, particularly the unbundling of the legislative list in the Constitution.
The organisation called for the establishment of state police, citing the need for more effective security measures in the country.
“The meeting insisted that State Police will work better for our situation rather than the proposed Forest Guards with overriding Federal Command particularly in our federation where land matter is within exclusive constitutional jurisdiction of states and that the proposed Forest Guard is anti-federalism,” the communiqués said.
Afenifere condemned acts of terrorism in most parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region, and emphasised the need for a return to agriculture with modern technology.
“The meeting emphasised the need for return to agriculture with modern technology to feed our teeming population in an atmosphere of security to the farmers and condemns acts of terrorism in most parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region,” it said.
The group also stated that in line with the overriding provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which give equal effect to the Land Use Act as part thereof, ownership, management and control of land including forests, forest and reserves are vested in the states of the federation.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment saddled with the implementation of the proposed Forest Guards has no control over forests while the office of the National Security Adviser as an appointee which tenure is subject to that of the appointing President cannot be vested with the duties and responsibilities of an enduring security outfit,” it said.
Afenifere also proposed the creation of vocational centres for the empowerment of youths, which will be established in member states with free training.
The group expressed support for Oba Oladipo Olaitan’s leadership, stating that he has the cognitive experience and ability to move the organisation forward.
Afenifere Renews Call For True Federalism, State Police is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
