PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to leader of Afenifere, the apex Yoruba socio-political group, Reuben Fasoranti, who died on Tuesday, October 20, aged of 100.
Fasoranti’s death was announced by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement on Tuesday evening, saying: “With a heavy heart but with total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing of our revered elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who departed this world at the glorious age of 100.
“Pa Fasoranti was a patriarch, a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of our dear State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.
“His counsel, fatherly guidance and principled stand on issues of justice and good governance will be sorely missed. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints of honour and legacy for generations to come.”
Aiyedatiwa, on behalf of the Government and people of Ondo State, commiserated the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state over his death.
Recall that Fasoranti celebrated his centenary birthday on May 11.
In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, Tinubu said he received the news of Fasoranti’s death with “profound sadness,” adding: “On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the good people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State and Southwest Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family.”
He described the late Afenifere leader as “an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family,” noting that his century-long life exemplified integrity, discipline, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.
“From his days as an educationist and principal, to his stewardship as commissioner for Finance in the old Western Region, and later as the leader of Afenifere, Baba never wavered in his belief in true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all.
“Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today.”
Tinubu said Fasoranti distinguished himself through his Spartan lifestyle, adherence to principles and commitment to noble causes, adding: “Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most.”
He recalled Fasoranti’s centenary celebration on May 11, saying he lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints in the sands of time.
Tinubu also recalled visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency, adding: “Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer.”
He said he had hoped the Afenifere leader would live to witness his second term in office and the anticipated economic growth and prosperity, noting: “But we must thank God for Pa Fasoranti’s long life of service, grace and fulfillment.”
On his part, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, expressed sadness over Fasoranti’s death, describing him as one of the last surviving titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria through selfless service, sacrifice and unwavering integrity.
Obasanjo, in a statement on Tuesday in Abeokuta by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said Fasoranti’s life exemplified purposeful leadership, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria, noting that the late elder statesman’s death marks the end of an extraordinary era, recalling his contributions to education and nation-building.
Obasanjo said Fasoranti provided unifying leadership when he assumed the leadership of Afenifere amid internal divisions and national uncertainty, and he consistently opposed military dictatorship and advocated true federalism, justice and equity, despite threats to his life.
“When the mantle of leading Afenifere fell upon him during a period of fragmentation and national uncertainty, Baba did not falter.
“He became a unifying anchor. He led with a calm and resolute authority that derived its strength not from loud proclamations, but from the immense moral weight of his convictions.
“On a personal note, I will always remember Baba’s warmth and his open-door policy. Even when we found ourselves on different sides of political debates, our mutual respect never waned.”
In a related development, the President described Uduaghan’s death as a great loss to his family, his community, Delta State, and the nation at large.
In a condolence message he personally signed, Tinubu described Uduaghan as “a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to our nation,” saying while he served as commissioner, SSG and governor, Uduaghan pursued developmental strides to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and the overall welfare of Deltans.
Tinubu urged the people of Delta State to draw strength from the late governor’s years of service and the enduring relationships he built across the political and social terrain of our country.
