A faction of the Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, aligned with the leadership of the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu over the ban imposed on Eedris Abdulkareem’s controversial song, Tell Your Papa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the acting Chairman, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, the group condemned the ban, describing it as a blatant assault on freedom of expression — a core principle of democratic governance.
According to Afenifere, Abdulkareem’s song was a valid artistic response to what it termed the “atrocious claims” made by Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, regarding the current state of Nigeria.
“The autocratic ban signals a leadership tendency that is disconnected from citizens’ realities, essentially inclined to maintaining autocratic control rather than fostering a milieu of freedom and creativity,” the group noted.
They emphasized that the action undermines democratic ideals, stifles dissent, and threatens artistic expression — factors they say are vital to national development.
“The ban destroys the principles of democracy, it is evidence of the increasing disregard for dissenting voices in Nigeria, potentially silencing artists and stifling creativity and the progress we need to move forward as a society,” Afenifere stated.
On national security, the group expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, citing figures from HumAngle’s Conflict Tracker, which reported that 1,420 lives were lost and over 537 people kidnapped across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
They also pointed to recent violent incidents in Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Nasarawa states, calling attention to the escalating attacks by bandits and herdsmen.
Afenifere stressed the urgency of outlawing open grazing and embracing ranching as a more sustainable solution.
In Ondo State, they highlighted that four communities in Akure North Local Government Area were raided, resulting in 20 deaths and the abduction of nine surveyors.
In Benue State, three members of the state security service were reportedly killed by armed herders, leading to protests and property damage.
“Specifically, we call on the government to deploy effective security strategies to protect lives and property, ensuring Nigerians can live without fear of violence or attack,” Afenifere urged.
The group reiterated its demand for the creation of state police as a necessary step to bolster the nation’s internal security framework.
“Politics aside, all management principles and best practices inform us that a single police hierarchy is not sufficient to provide the security required by a nation of our size and diversity,” it said.
Finally, Afenifere called on President Tinubu to initiate a comprehensive restructuring of the country, advocating for true federalism. The group believes such reforms would lay the foundation for equity, justice, peace, security, and shared prosperity across Nigeria.
