The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on the Federal Government to immediately reduce the price of petrol to between N350 and N400 per litre and review the N70,000 national minimum wage to cushion the effects of rising inflation and economic hardship in the country.
The organisation said the proposed petrol price stabilisation mechanism announced by the government, which envisaged keeping the price at not more than N1,350 per litre, was far below the expectations of Nigerians struggling with the rising cost of living.
Afenifere made the demands in a communique issued after its National Executive Committee’s regular monthly meeting held, October, 2026.
The communique, signed by the organisation’s leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and its newly appointed Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John, said the country’s socio-economic situation remained troubling, with hardship, hunger and hyperinflation continuing to affect citizens under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The organisation said its review of the country’s socio-political and economic situation showed that economic difficulties had remained a defining feature of the current administration, while many Nigerians continued to struggle with the cost of basic necessities.
It also criticised what it described as the government’s casual handling of its responsibilities, particularly in the areas of public safety, security, economic management and the general welfare of citizens.
On petrol pricing, Afenifere specifically proposed an immediate reduction in the pump price to between N350 and N400 per litre, arguing that the measure would help ease the difficulties associated with the unaffordability of the product.
The organisation’s position followed an announcement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy concerning a proposed price modulation mechanism intended to stabilise petrol prices at not more than N1,350 per litre.
However, Afenifere maintained that the proposed arrangement did not adequately address the expectations and immediate needs of Nigerians facing mounting economic pressure.
The group also called for an upward review of the N70,000 statutory national minimum wage, saying the prevailing inflationary trend had significantly undermined its value.
According to the communique, the minimum wage had become unreasonable and insufficient under the prevailing economic circumstances, making a review necessary to help workers cope with the rising cost of living.
On the political front, Afenifere expressed concern over what it described as an increasing wave of intolerance among some members of the political class ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It condemned reckless, inflammatory and inciting statements by politicians, warning that such utterances could heighten political tension, threaten peaceful political engagement and constrict the country’s democratic space.
The organisation urged political actors to embrace civilised conduct and ensure that their electioneering activities conformed to global best practices.
It further challenged the Federal Government to ensure that the 2027 general elections were free and fair, stressing the need to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to function as a truly independent electoral umpire.
Afenifere’s position placed particular emphasis on the need to protect the credibility of the electoral process and create an environment in which political competition could take place without inflammatory rhetoric or undue interference.
Meanwhile, the organisation approved the appointment of Rotimi-John to the substantive position of Secretary-General.
The communique listed several prominent members among those who attended the meeting, including Oba Olaitan, Omo-Oba Supo Shonibare, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Tola Mobolurin, Bayo Adenekan, Prince Justice Faloye, Dele Farotimi, Toyin Falade, Prince Lanre Anjolaiya, Olayemi Olajuyinnu and Wale Balogun.
The meeting also expressed condolences to Leke Adefala over the death of his wife, describing the loss as irreplaceable and praying for the strength to bear the bereavement.
It resolved that the organisation would be officially represented at the funeral ceremonies.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m. after a motion for adjournment was moved by Shonibare and seconded by Faloye.
The communique was dated October 8, 2026, and signed by Olaitan as leader and Rotimi-John as Secretary-General.