Comrade Jare Ajayi is a strong member of the elitist Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA) and is also the present spokesman for Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere. He was guest on our Radio Show, Ayekooto (Parrot Xtra Hour) hosted by Olayinka Agboola live on Lagelu 96.7fm last Tuesday. Dare Raji here present the excerpts and high points…
How did you emerge as the Publicity Secretary of Afenifere?
I joined Afenifere during the tenure of Abraham Adesanya. I had earlier met him during my stint as a reporter with the Nigerian Tribune. I returned to the fold recently at the encouragement of Hon. Babatunde Tijani, a prominent member of the group who now works with the Governor of Oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde.
I always attend the meeting of the association every month in Akure as a member and because of my contributions on the floor of the meeting, it didn’t take too long before I was noticed. I was later nominated to stand in for the late Yinka Odumakin at different occasions and to prepare communique from the meetings.
When Odumakin became sick earlier this year, I was contacted to be named as the Acting Publicity Secretary and the announcement was to be formally announced on April 6 but the Saturday before the scheduled day was when Yinka Odumakin was pronounced dead. The announcement had to be postponed in order to honour him.
What are the qualifications required before one can become an Afenifere member?
The first qualification is to be an adult of the Yoruba origin with proven integrity and to believe in the philosophy of Afenifere. The major philosophy of the group is to ensure that the Yoruba race is properly structured and focused. The group strongly believes in the philosophy of the American Psychologist, Abraham Maslow who propounded the theory of hierarchy of needs which are physiological need, love and security need.
Afenifere as an association believes that the basic things that a man needs such as shelter, food, clothing, security must be met and this is the stand of the organization.
Who is funding Afenifere?
The members of the association support the association from their own purse. We contribute resources together to keep the association going forward. If there is a need for a capital project, the wealthy members among us contribute heavily to see to the success of the project.
On the proactive nature of Afenifere to national discourse, we treat issues based on its order of importance because issues do not exist in isolation.
What is the stand of Afenifere on the ongoing move for the Independence of the Yoruba Nation – especially as symbolized by Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho?
When a warrior is faced with the present challenges of Sunday Igboho, it is pertinent for him to hide and re-strategize. We have sent a delegation to Benin Republic to interact and sympathize with him and to reassure him of our support. We love his audacity and his resilient approach especially for liberating the people of Igangan in Oyo State.
Afenifere and Alliance for Democracy?
It is only for those who believe in the philosophy of Yoruba land. On the issue of Afenifere Renewal Group, we have same goal but different strategies just the same way IPOB believes MASSOB’s approach to issues is too sluggish, Afenifere Renewal Group also feel that their strategy and method are not in tandem with ours.
Afenifere is a socio-political organization, our mission cannot be achieved outside the structure of political organization. It is through politics that we can bring life to our people and we are going to ensure that we support a political party that will translate the vision of the group to the people.
What is the position of Afenifere on Restructuring?
We are working to ensure that restructuring takes place before 2023 general election. We are currently collaborating with PANDEF, Ohanaze group under the South and Middle Belt forum to achieve this.
Chief Bisi Akande and Senator Bola Tinubu used to be strong pillars of Afenifere. Do they not have roles to play to ensure that restructuring of Nigeria takes place?
Chief Bisi Akande and Bola Tinubu are core Yoruba elders and there is nothing wrong if they use their positions to agitate for restructuring. I am optimistic that Nigeria will restructure before 2023 general election.
If given the chance to see President Muhammadu Buhari, what will you tell him?
If I am given the chance to speak with his Excellency, President Buhari, I will encourage him to restructure Nigeria.
What advice do you have for Nigerian politicians?
I will urge them to tackle the rising cases of insecurity and economic downturn in the country.
