The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called for accelerated implementation of state police, economic reforms, and constitutional restructuring as critical solutions to Nigeria’s security and economic crises.

This was part of the resolutions reached at a caucus meeting held yesterday, September 23, 2025, at the Akure residence of the group’s leader, Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti. The meeting was presided over by Oba Olu Falae, Chairman of the Executive Committee.

The meeting, attended by Afenifere leaders and elders, deliberated extensively on the worsening security situation across Yorubaland and Nigeria at large, the economy, transportation infrastructure, agriculture, and general social welfare.

In a communiqué issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere decried the spread of banditry in parts of Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo States, while also expressing grave concern over the “seeming genocide” in Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Katsina states.

While acknowledging government efforts to combat insecurity, Afenifere insisted that urgent and localised responses are needed. The group renewed its call for the immediate operationalisation of state police and echoed recent suggestions by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for empowering local communities to defend themselves.

“Community leaders, politicians, and locals must identify and check internal saboteurs collaborating with criminals,” the communique said. “There must be firm policies of justice, fairness, and a resolve to prevent any group from threatening others in their ancestral homes.”

The Afenifere also recommended the deployment of modern security technologies, including drones and CCTV, as well as full enforcement of anti-open grazing laws in states where they exist, and encouragement of private-sector investment in ranching, to reduce farmer-herder clashes.

The group acknowledged initial signs of improvement in the economy but urged the Federal Government to intensify reforms to stabilise the naira, reduce inflation, and create employment.

On infrastructure, the group commended ongoing federal road projects but demanded acceleration of work on key highways critical to Yorubaland’s development.

Contractors were urged to mobilise to sites without delay, and the government was called upon to hold defaulting contractors accountable.

Reiterating a long-held position, Afenifere reaffirmed that constitutional restructuring remains the only viable path to lasting peace and development in Nigeria. The group called for an Executive Bill to be sent to the National Assembly to initiate the process.