By Gbenga Oresanya,
A factional leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has launched a scathing attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of thriving on deceit and manipulation. In a statement that is likely to generate significant political debate, he also alleged that the party was responsible for bringing in foreign Fulanis to “destroy Nigeria.”
Oba Olaitan made these remarks on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during an appearance on Channels Television’s morning program, “Sunrise Daily.” His comments have highlighted the deep divisions within Afenifere and the ongoing tensions between some southern groups and the federal government.
“Well, APC is good at what they know how to do — deceive people, manipulate people, conceal issues. That’s their job; they know how to do it,” Oba Olaitan stated during the interview.
It is crucial to note that Oba Oladipo Olaitan represents a faction of Afenifere. The organization has been experiencing a leadership crisis, resulting in two main factions with differing political stances.
SEE ALSO
Oba Olaitan is the leader of the faction that was previously led by the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo. This faction has been consistently critical of the APC-led government and its policies. Their criticisms often revolve around issues of insecurity, restructuring, and perceived marginalization of the Yoruba people. In the run-up to the 2023 general elections, this faction, under Pa Adebanjo, endorsed the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, citing the need for fairness and equity.
The other major faction is led by Chief Reuben Fasoranti. This group has been more accommodating of the APC. Notably, they endorsed the then-APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ahead of the 2023 elections. This faction is generally seen as the more conservative wing of the organization.
The statements made by Oba Olaitan are therefore representative of the views of his faction and not necessarily the entire Afenifere organization.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official reaction from the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the presidency to the allegations made by Oba Oladipo Olaitan. The strong nature of the accusations is, however, expected to elicit a response in the coming days.
The comments are the latest in a series of criticisms from southern and middle-belt leaders who have expressed concerns over the security situation in the country and what they perceive as the government’s inadequate response. The claim about “foreign Fulanis” touches on a sensitive and recurring narrative in Nigeria’s political discourse, often linked to discussions about farmer-herder crises and banditry.
