The Ekiti State chapter of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, January 22, reaffirmed its support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and its affiliation with the All Progressives Congress (APC), while disowning a faction claiming to represent the group.
The group, calling itself Afenifere Ekiti, had recently endorsed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Mr Dare Bejide, during a stakeholders’ meeting.
In its statement, the faction said, “The decision (to support the ADC) transcends mere political support.
“It is a cultural and ideological alignment. Afenifere Ekiti, the guardian of progressive Yoruba ethos and governance values, has chosen to drum support not just for a candidate, but for a direction it believes Ekiti desperately needs.”
Responding, Afenifere’s leadership in Ekiti, through state Publicity Secretary Mr Biodun Akin-Fasae, rejected the faction’s claims.
“We categorically disassociate ourselves from this group of political opportunists and charlatans. They are not members of Afenifere, nor do they have any authority to speak on our behalf,” the statement read.
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Akin-Fasae described the faction’s actions as an attempt to exploit the organisation’s reputation for personal gain.
“Their claims are baseless, and their actions are a clear attempt to hijack the good name of Afenifere for their selfish and pecuniary interests.
“They are not listed in our register, and their claims of membership and leadership are false,” he added.
He urged the public to disregard the splinter group and emphasised that Afenifere in Ekiti would remain committed to its principles.
“Afenifere, Ekiti State Chapter will continue to uphold its values and integrity. We are affiliated with the APC and unequivocally support the candidacy of Mr Biodun Oyebanji.
“We have no relationship with any other political party, including the ADC, which these impostors are using to mislead the public,” Akin-Fasae said.
The statement reaffirmed that Afenifere Ekiti remains loyal to the APC and fully aligned with Governor Oyebanji’s leadership ahead of the June 20 governorship election.