Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere faction slams Tinubu over ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song
A faction of the Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, loyal to the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the recent ban placed on Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s controversial song, “Tell Your Papa.”...READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE | READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE...
In a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the group’s Acting Chairman, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Afenifere described the ban as “a direct attack on freedom of speech,” warning that it undermines democratic values.
“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 statement read.
The group argued that Abdulkareem’s song, which was reportedly a reaction to comments made by President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, was not offensive but a “fair and justified” response to what it called “atrocious claims” about the state of the nation.
Afenifere warned that the suppression of artistic expression threatens democracy and sets a dangerous precedent.
“The ban destroys the principles of democracy and is evidence of the increasing disregard for dissenting voices in Nigeria, potentially silencing artists and stifling the creativity and progress we need to move forward as a society,” it said.
Beyond the issue of censorship, Afenifere also raised alarm over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Citing data from HumAngle’s Conflict Tracker, the group noted that 1,420 Nigerians were killed and over 537 kidnapped in the first three months of 2025 alone.
It pointed to a series of recent attacks by bandits and armed herders in Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Nasarawa States, which have left scores dead and sparked public outrage.
In Ondo State, Afenifere said, four communities in Akure North Local Government Area were raided, leaving 20 people dead and nine surveyors abducted. In Benue, armed herders reportedly ambushed and killed three members of the state’s security force, triggering violent protests.
The group renewed calls for the Federal Government to urgently ban open grazing and implement ranching policies to curb further bloodshed.
It also reiterated its long-standing demand for the creation of state police, arguing that a centralised police structure is inadequate for a country of Nigeria’s size and diversity.
“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,” the group noted.
Finally, Afenifere called on President Tinubu to prioritise the restructuring of the country, advocating for a system of true federalism that ensures justice, fairness, equity, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
“We urge the President to move beyond political rhetoric and take bold steps towards restructuring the federation. This is key to achieving lasting peace, stability, and development,” the statement concluded.