The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere has publicly criticized the Labour Party (LP) for its recent allegations of financial misconduct against its leadership during the 2023 general elections. Afenifere described these claims as reckless and misleading, asserting that they are intended to tarnish the image of the respected group and its leaders.
The controversy began when Abayomi Arabambi, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, accused key figures in Afenifere, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, of being involved in financial wrongdoing.
Arabambi alleged that these leaders had committed infractions involving over 600 million Naira, which he claimed were held in private accounts rather than being properly accounted for in Afenifere’s financial records.
In response to these serious allegations, Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, along with Justice Faloye, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement defending the integrity of their leadership.
They labeled the accusations as a deliberate attempt to undermine Yoruba leaders and distract from the significant issues facing the country. Afenifere emphasized that their support for the Labour Party and its presidential ticket was rooted in a long-standing commitment to the peaceful coexistence and development of Nigeria, which they believe should be based on equitable treatment for all its diverse nationalities.
Afenifere’s leaders reiterated that their decision to support Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed was not motivated by financial gain but was instead a reflection of their historical values and principles.
They stated that their involvement in the campaign was a “clarion call to duty,” emphasizing their dedication to the cause of national unity and good governance. The statement highlighted that Afenifere seeks quality leadership that can foster development across Nigeria’s various regions.
Moreover, Afenifere pointed out that their contributions to the campaign included the appointment of some members to the National, South West zonal, and state levels of the Campaign Council. They asserted that these roles were accepted with the understanding that they were serving the larger interest of Nigeria, rather than expecting personal financial rewards.
The group concluded their statement by urging the Labour Party to provide evidence supporting its allegations instead of making baseless claims that could further inflame tensions among political groups in the country.
They expressed hope that constructive dialogue would prevail over attempts to discredit respected leaders, advocating for unity among all Nigerians as the nation faces pressing challenges.
