Oluwole Oke Elected West Africa Chairman, APNIFFT Continental Council Member, Pledges Fight Against Illicit Financial Flows

Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, a lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, has been elected West Africa Chairman and Continental Council Member of the African Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation (APNIFFT).

Oke, who also chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, has been lauded for his commitment to transparency, fiscal accountability, and regional cooperation. His election is seen as recognition of his long-standing advocacy for tax justice and Africa’s fight against illicit financial flows (IFFs).

The announcement was made at the 2025 APNIFFT Continental Conference, held from October 13 to 15 at The Capital on the Park, Sandton, Johannesburg. Organised alongside Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), the conference brought together parliamentarians, policymakers, and civil society leaders from across the continent to review progress in combating IFFs and improving domestic resource mobilisation.

The event, themed “A Decade of Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Advancing Tax Justice: Reflection, Innovation, and Political Will”, marked ten years of sustained continental collaboration on fiscal transparency and resource management. Delegates described Oke’s leadership as “visionary and pragmatic,” highlighting his consistent push for policy reforms that strengthen Africa’s fiscal sovereignty.

In his acceptance speech, Oke promised to intensify efforts against illicit financial flows, which he said continue to deprive Africa of vital resources.

“Our task is to build stronger institutions, deepen cross-border cooperation, and ensure that Africa’s wealth benefits Africans. We must renew our political will and strengthen our laws to stop the massive outflow of funds that weaken our economies,” he said.

He also called for closer collaboration between African parliaments, civil society, and international partners to advance tax justice, accountability, and inclusive governance.

The Johannesburg conference served as a platform to celebrate a decade of achievements and chart strategies for sustainable fiscal governance in Africa.