President Bola Tinubu and some South West governors have expressed grief over the demise of the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
Pa Fasoranti died on Tuesday at the age of 100.
In a statement personally signed by the president in Tuesday, Fasoranti was described an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family.
“His life, spanning a century, was a lesson in 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 Ondo State, 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 stated.
He said that Nigeria will sorely miss Pa Fasoranti’s voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, adding that he lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints in the sands of time.
Extolling the late elder stateman’s contribution to his emergence as president, Tinubu said, “I recall Baba’s centenary on May 11 this year, when we celebrated not just longevity, but a legacy of honour.
“I also recall his prayers and counsel when I came to his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of my decision to contest the presidency. Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer.
“I had hoped Papa would also be around with us for my second term to witness the full dawn of economic growth and prosperity in the land.”
“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 South-West Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. May God comfort all who mourn him and grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the president prayed.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a condolence message he personally signed on Tuesday in Akure, said the death of the centenarian was a great loss to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
The governor described Fasoranti as a patriarch and beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service, whose life was dedicated to the development of the society.
According to him, the late elder statesman demonstrated uncommon commitment to the progress and development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria throughout his lifetime.
“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,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said the deceased would be remembered for his fatherly guidance, wise counsel and principled positions on issues bordering on justice and good governance.
He noted that Fasoranti lived a fulfilled life and left behind enduring legacies worthy of emulation by the present and future generations.
“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,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa, on behalf of the government and people of Ondo State, commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state over the loss.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun has also commiserated with Afenifere, Yoruba leaders, and the deceased’s family and associates.
Gov. Abiodun described Fasoranti as a patriot whose life was defined by service and commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
He said the late elder statesman was among the enduring voices in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, whose courage and sacrifices helped shape the country’s political development.
Abiodun noted that Fasoranti played a significant role in the struggle for democracy, particularly during military rule, earning recognition as a defender of democratic governance and constitutional rule.
He said the deceased remained steadfast in advocating justice, equity, good governance and restructuring, demonstrating his commitment to building a united and prosperous Nigeria.
The governor described Fasoranti as one of the surviving links to a generation of nationalist leaders who confronted authoritarianism and championed democratic freedoms.
“The elder statesman’s death has created a significant vacuum in the Yoruba socio-political landscape; his contributions to national development remains indelible.
“Fasoranti’s legacy will endure through the values he upheld, the causes he championed, and the generations of Nigerians inspired by his commitment to democracy,” he said.
He urged Afenifere, the people of Ondo, the Yoruba nation and the deceased’s family to take solace in his remarkable life and contributions to society.
In his condolence statement, the Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the demise of Pa Fasoranti as the end of an era.
According to him, Pa Fasoranti was a committed leader and a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service who served the Yoruba people and Nigeria passionately.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the glorious exit of Pa Fasoranti, a respected elder statesman, educationist and progressive is a big loss to the Yoruba people and Nigeria at large.
He also commiserated with his Ondo State counterpart, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Government and people of Ondo State, particularly the people of Akure Kingdom; the Fasoranti family and members of Afenifere.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Lagos State, as well as my brother Governors in the South-West, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, Afenifere members and the entire people of Yorubaland over the departure of our respected leader and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
“Baba Fasoranti was a respected and passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remain indelible. He impacted many lives positively through courageous and uncompromising leadership. His commitment to public service and community development was commendable.
“Pa Fasoranti, during his lifetime, made a lot of positive impact in Yorubaland and Nigeria. He did great exploits as the leader of Afenifere by steering the ship of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation in the right direction.
“We cherish Pa Fasoranti’s commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance, which he championed for many decades during his lifetime.
“I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Pa Reuben Fasoranti. May God grant the deceased’s family, loved ones, and the Yoruba people the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of the centenarian.”
For a better society
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