Afenifere hails Tinubu, Soyinka as exemplary Yoruba sons

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The pan-Yoruba socio-political and cultural group, Afenifere, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka as distinguished sons of the Yoruba nation, commending their embodiment of Yoruba values on both national and global stages.

This was contained in a statement by Otunba Kole Omololu, National Organising Secretary of Afenifere.

The group noted that recent events highlighted the global prestige of the Yoruba people and the enduring influence of their culture.

It cited a state banquet in Brazil where President Tinubu vacated his seat for Professor Soyinka, addressing him as “egbon” (elder brother), reflecting Yoruba traditions of respect, humility, and the omolúàbí ethic.

The statement added that Yoruba culture continues to thrive across Latin America through practices such as Candomblé, Santería, Vodou, and Orisha worship, preserving sacred words and traditions centuries after the transatlantic dispersal.

The group highlighted that no other African people have such a widespread and deeply rooted diaspora that has faithfully preserved its cultural heritage and moral values.

Afenifere described this as proof of the resilience, dignity, and timeless nature of Yoruba traditions.

In celebrating President Tinubu and Professor Soyinka, Afenifere said both men exemplify the virtues of the Yoruba spirit with grace and integrity, serving as role models for younger generations and representing the community with pride worldwide.