The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a communiqué signed by its Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, after a meeting at the Isanya Ogbo residence of its leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere described Kanu as a political detainee and condemned his continued detention as unjustifiable.
“Since his abduction in 2021 and rendition to Nigeria, Nnamdi Kanu has been subjected to controversial and conflicting legal proceedings. His fair trial can no longer be guaranteed, according to reasonable public opinion. It is evident that Kanu is a political detainee. In the interest of justice and national reconciliation, Afenifere calls on President Tinubu to release him immediately. Keeping him in detention without trial is evident that Kanu is a political detainee. In the interest of justice and national reconciliation, Afenifere calls on President Tinubu to release him immediately. Keeping him in detention without trial is indefensible,” the communiqué stated.
The group also announced the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as its new National Organising Secretary.
Addressing the state of insecurity in the country, Afenifere lamented that the situation remains as dire as it was under the previous administration. It called on President Tinubu to take decisive and ideological measures to ensure the protection of lives and property.
Referring to Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent warning about the influx of bandits, Afenifere reiterated its call for restructuring, emphasizing the need for statepolice.
“Nigeria, with its vast population and territory as a federation, cannot be effectively secured through a single command unitary police structure. Restructuring is essential to institutionalize state policing through constitutional amendments,” the communiqué added.
The meeting, presided over by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, had delegates from the six South-West states, Kogi, and Kwara in attendance.
Notable participants included former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele; Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni; Chief Akin Osuntokun; Professor Akin Onigbinde; Elder Tola Mobolurin; Dr. Gbola Adetuji; Olorogun Pop Ayo-Banjo; and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye.