News
Afenifere: Adebanjo’s Faction Rules Out Reuniting With Fasoranti’s Camp
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, loyal to the leadership of late Chief Ayo Adebanjo has ruled out reuniting with the Chief Reuben Fasoranti-led camp following Adebanjo’s demise.
Afenifere had been divided along the lines of Chief Reuben Fasoranti and the late Chief Adebanjo in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections.
While Adebanjo supported Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the spirit of fairness and equity, Fasoranti and his supporters aligned with President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
On Tuesday, the Adebanjo faction named Oba Olaitan Oladipo as Adebanjo’s successor.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, , the National Publicity Secretary of the Adebanjo faction, Justice Faloye, dismissed any notion of unification, asserting that the real Afenifere had transitioned smoothly to a new leader in Oba Olaitan Oladipo.
“We don’t recognise any factions. Baba Fasoranti is a retired leader. The fact that he chose to align with others against the principles he set before retirement does not make it a faction. Afenifere is bigger than personalities and election cycles.
“Yes, they are our family and friends, but the push for unity by some is a political gimmick to silence Afenifere’s criticism of bad governance, especially as the 2027 election approaches.
“Afenifere is not about personalities or prebendalist motives. We stand for abundance for all. You either uphold our ideology or you do not. A capitalist neo-liberal perspective cannot be a faction of social welfarists and Social Democrats,” Faloye declared.
However, the National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, and the National Organizing Secretary, Abagun Omololu, of the Fasoranti-led Afenifere dismissed the Adebanjo faction’s leadership declaration, insisting that Chief Reuben Fasoranti remains the only recognised leader of Afenifere.
They described the procedure used to install Oba Olaitan Oladipo as “alien to Afenifere’s tradition.”
“It is a known fact that the National Leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, is still very much around. He is not only hale and hearty, but he is also providing requisite leadership—to the glory of God.
“In a situation where there is no vacuum, how do you talk of filling a vacancy that does not exist?
“Afenifere has a procedure for appointing its leader. How the appointment was done on Tuesday (by Adebanjo’s group) is alien to our tradition,” Ajayi stated.
He added that the organisation was still mourning Adebanjo and focusing on giving him a befitting burial, rather than engaging in a leadership tussle.
In his own remarks, Abagun Omololu strongly condemned the move by the Adebanjo faction, calling it disrespectful to Yoruba culture.
“Our leader, Papa Reuben Fasoranti, has lost one of his lieutenants, Chief Adebanjo, and he is grieving. It is sacrilegious and against Yoruba culture for some opportunists to be jostling for power while the deceased has yet to be laid to rest.
“This is nothing but a desperate attempt by self-serving individuals to advance their political agenda ahead of 2027.
”Let it be stated unequivocally: Afenifere remains undivided. The attempt to carve out a faction for personal gain is a charade, orchestrated to serve prebendalist interests.
“Papa Fasoranti, the Leader of Afenifere, will make an official statement after Chief Adebanjo’s burial,”
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
-
News2 days agoPanic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert
-
Politics2 days agoRivers Crisis: Full List Of 8 Misconduct Allegations Against Governor Fubara
-
Breaking News2 days agoCorruption Battle: Dangote Drags Ex-NMDPRA Boss To EFCC After ICPC Withdrawal
-
News1 day agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
-
News1 day agoYour Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
-
News20 hours agoHow Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
