Tinubu, Obasanjo, Afenifere, Governors Mourn Pa Fasoranti at 100

President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afenifere, governors and traditional rulers have mourned the death of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday at the age of 100.

 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced the death of the elder statesman, describing him as a patriarch and a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose life was devoted to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

 

In a statement, Aiyedatiwa said Fasoranti’s counsel, fatherly guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be sorely missed.

 

“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,” the governor said.

 

He added that the late Afenifere leader had left an enduring legacy of honour and service for generations to come.

 

The Secretary to the Ondo State Government and one of the deceased’s sons, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said his father died peacefully in his sleep at about 4pm in his room.

 

He described his father as a man of few words and great wisdom, adding that the Reuben Fasoranti Foundation, established 10 years ago, would be sustained by the family.

 

Tinubu Recalls Fasoranti’s Prediction

 

President Tinubu, in his condolence message, recalled that Fasoranti had told him in 2022 that he would become president during the elder statesman’s lifetime.

 

Tinubu described the deceased as “a father, patriarch, elder statesman, and foremost Afenifere leader, an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family.”

 

He said Fasoranti’s century-long life demonstrated integrity, discipline, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and Nigeria’s unity and progress.

 

The President noted that the late elder statesman remained committed to true federalism and social justice throughout his career as an educationist, school principal, commissioner for finance and Afenifere leader.

 

Tinubu also said Fasoranti fought for Nigeria’s democracy at the risk of his life.

 

Obasanjo Pays Tribute to Elder Statesman

 

Former President Obasanjo described Fasoranti as one of the last surviving titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria through character, sacrifice and integrity.

 

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Tuesday, Obasanjo said the late Afenifere leader exemplified purposeful longevity, principled leadership and dedication to the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.

 

He recalled that Fasoranti assumed leadership of Afenifere during a period of internal fragmentation and national uncertainty, emerging as a unifying figure.

 

“He led with a calm, stoic, and resolute authority that derived its strength not from loud proclamations, but from the immense moral weight of his convictions,” Obasanjo said.

 

He added that Fasoranti stood firmly against military dictatorship and remained an advocate of true federalism, justice and equity despite threats to his life.

 

On a personal note, the former president recalled visiting Fasoranti in Akure and receiving his counsel, saying their mutual respect endured even when they disagreed on political issues.

 

Afenifere Mourns Loss of Progressive Icon

 

Afenifere described Fasoranti’s death as the loss of a humanist, philanthropist, patriot and exemplary leader whose courage and commitment to public service offered lessons for individuals and organisations.

 

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the organisation said Fasoranti lived through Nigeria’s colonial era, independence, the Civil War, successive military regimes and the return to democratic rule.

 

It described him as one of the foot soldiers of the Action Group led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the struggle for independence and in the post-independence period.

 

An educationist, Fasoranti established Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure.

 

He later served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance between 1979 and 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin.

 

Afenifere said Fasoranti believed that public office should serve the interests of the people and participated actively in efforts to restore democratic governance whenever the military intervened in politics.

 

The organisation also highlighted his role in the National Democratic Coalition, which campaigned for the restoration of the mandate of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

 

Afenifere said it would miss his exemplary, unassuming and progressive leadership, adding that details of his burial arrangements would be announced later.

 

Falae, Governors Pay Tributes

 

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and monarch of Ilu Abo Community in Ondo State, Oba Olu Falae, described Fasoranti as an exceptional figure whose kind was rare across generations.

 

Falae, who said he had known the deceased intimately for more than 60 years, recalled that he had never seen him quarrel with or shout at anyone, even during political meetings.

 

He said Fasoranti was always willing to mediate in disputes involving the Akure community, the church and political groups, listening to all sides before helping them seek resolution.

 

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described Fasoranti’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.

 

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun said the late elder statesman was an enduring voice in Nigeria’s democratic struggle whose courage and sacrifices helped shape the country’s political development.

 

He said Fasoranti remained steadfast in his advocacy for justice, equity, good governance and restructuring, adding that his legacy would endure through the values he upheld and the generations he inspired.

 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, also described the death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.

 

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, the governor said Fasoranti would be remembered for his selfless service, integrity and principled stand on truth, justice and the rule of law.

 

Oyebanji said the late Afenifere leader’s commitment to democracy and national development reflected his desire for a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

 

Awolowo Family, Senate Leader Mourn

 

The Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publisher of the Tribune titles, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, mourned Fasoranti as one of the last great figures of the Awolowo political tradition.

 

She said the deceased belonged to a generation of leaders whose political convictions were rooted in principle and whose commitment to public service remained steadfast despite changing political circumstances.

 

According to her, Fasoranti remained dedicated to justice, equity, progressive governance and the common good throughout his life.

 

She added that his wisdom, moral authority and institutional memory would be difficult to replace, describing his death as a loss not only to the Awolowo family but also to all those who cherish the ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

 

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, also expressed shock and sadness over the death of the centenarian, describing him as a patriot of uncommon integrity who consistently placed national interest above personal or sectional considerations.

 

Bamidele said Fasoranti made lasting contributions to national development as an educationist, school administrator and community leader.

 

He described the deceased as one of the last surviving Awoists and a vital link between the politics of the First Republic and the Fourth Republic.

 

The Senate leader said Fasoranti’s principled positions, commitment to true federalism and moral authority would be sorely missed at a critical period in Nigeria’s national life.

 

He extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Ondo State, Afenifere and the entire Yoruba nation, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for those mourning him.