Dele Farotimi Announces Exit from Afenifere After 28 Years of Association

Dele Farotimi, a prominent lawyer and political activist, has announced his withdrawal from the Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, formally ending an association that dates back to 1998.

Farotimi made the announcement in a statement titled “My Exit from Afenifere”, addressed to fellow Nigerians, in which he said he had decided to sever all ties with the organisation and its leadership.

He recalled that his involvement with Afenifere began in 1998 when he served as the pioneer chairman of Binukonu, describing the association as an important part of his public engagement and contribution to national development.

However, he said the time had come to bring the relationship to an end, adding that the organisation’s leadership no longer represented his views.

“Henceforth, the leadership of Afenifere does not represent my views, and I no longer speak for or identify with its positions or actions,” he stated.

Farotimi declined to provide specific reasons for his decision, saying he had chosen not to offer further explanations and asking the public to respect his position.

Despite his withdrawal, he stressed that his commitment to the social-democratic principles associated with the Action Group, from which Afenifere emerged, remained unchanged.

“My commitment to the birth of a nation founded on the social democratic principles of the Action Group (Afenifere) remains unchanged, and I shall remain undaunted in my pursuit of these principles and ideals,” he said.

He concluded by thanking Nigerians for their support, engagement and the opportunity to share his political convictions over the years.