LAGOS, Nigeria – Dele Farotimi, a prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer and General Secretary of Afenifere, has declared that the state of Nigeria today is worse than it was during the military era of 1993.
He made the statement at a public symposium titled “Afenifere: Identity, Ideas, and Ideology”, held at the Muson Centre in Lagos on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Farotimi, who has long been an advocate for democracy and social justice, lamented the continuous decline of the Nigerian state and called for urgent unity and ideological clarity among its citizens.
The event, which marked the 97th posthumous birthday of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the late leader of Afenifere, also served to discuss the future of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, which has played a key role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Before Baba Adebanjo died, we were already discussing this symposium,” Farotimi said, referring to the group’s internal struggles and divisions that began before the late leader’s passing.
“We decided to use this opportunity to celebrate Baba’s life, ideals, and ensure those ideals are carried forward,” he added.
In his speech, Farotimi pointed to Nigeria’s current political structure, criticizing the centralized system that has stifled the country’s growth and development.
“What we have today is a one-size-fits-all system, imposed by the center. Instead of allowing the diverse nations within Nigeria to flourish, we have a unitary arrangement masquerading as federalism,” Farotimi said.
He also condemned the erosion of citizens’ voices, which he believes has been a deliberate tactic by the Nigerian government to suppress opposition and dissent.
Farotimi emphasized that Afenifere must play a crucial role in challenging the current system to restore the people’s rightful place in governance.
The human rights lawyer drew historical parallels to Nigeria’s past struggles, citing the 1993 political crisis following the annulment of the presidential election.
“Today, the situation is even worse. In 2023, just like in 1993, the will of the people has been disregarded, and that puts the very foundation of society at risk,” he said.
Farotimi further pointed out the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, where armed groups roam freely, and citizens live in constant fear.
He decried the government’s failure to uphold basic constitutional rights, highlighting the country’s widespread insecurity and the lack of protection for its people.
Farotimi’s remarks come at a time of growing unrest in Nigeria, where there have been increasing concerns over government repression and the suppression of free speech.
Human rights organizations, journalists, and activists have voiced concerns over the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially regarding its treatment of public protests, media freedom, and civil liberties.
“The constitution is ignored at will, and governance is marked by illegitimacy and arbitrariness,” Farotimi said, stressing that Afenifere must unite Nigerians to confront these challenges.
He called for collective action to push back against the forces undermining democracy and civil rights in Nigeria, urging Afenifere to offer a platform for all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, to come together and fight for a better future.
“Afenifere was never founded for the Yoruba alone. It was founded to save us from ourselves,” Farotimi concluded.
“We must now offer a platform for all Nigerians to work together and find common ground to save ourselves from the crises engulfing us.”
