TINUBU, MAKINDE, ABIODUN MOURN AFENIFERE LEADER FASORANTI AT 100
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
President Bola Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have paid tributes to the late leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
Fasoranti, who died on Tuesday at the age of 100, was remembered by the three leaders for his contributions to democracy, public service and the advancement of the Yoruba people.
In a statement personally issued on Tuesday, Tinubu described the late elder statesman as a father, patriarch, elder statesman and one of the foremost leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.
“I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, our father, patriarch, elder statesman, and foremost Afenifere leader, who died at the glorious age of 100,” the President said.
Tinubu described Fasoranti as “an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family”.
He said the deceased’s life exemplified integrity, discipline, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and Nigeria’s unity and progress.
According to the President, Fasoranti made immense contributions to the country and risked his life in the struggle for democracy.
“Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most,” Tinubu said.
The President recalled celebrating Fasoranti’s centenary on May 11, 2026, describing it as an occasion to honour not only his longevity but also his legacy.
He also recalled visiting the late Afenifere leader at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his intention to contest the presidency.
Tinubu said Fasoranti had expressed confidence that he would become President during his lifetime, adding that he had hoped the elder statesman would also witness his second term and the country’s anticipated economic progress.
He commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government and people, South-West Nigeria and members of Afenifere.
Similarly, Makinde described Fasoranti as a towering moral voice whose century-long life was marked by wisdom, courage and a strong commitment to public service.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, the Oyo State governor said the death of the elder statesman represented a historic loss to the Yoruba people.
“For many decades, Pa Fasoranti stood at the intersection of conscience and public duty, shaping the moral architecture of our politics and offering guidance that transcended generations. His transition is a historic loss for our people,” Makinde said.
He described the late Afenifere leader’s death as the departure of a figure whose guidance helped the Yoruba people navigate decades of political change and national transformation.
Makinde added that Fasoranti spent much of his life shaping minds, strengthening institutions and promoting values central to Yoruba identity.
He said the deceased’s wisdom, humility and commitment to the Yoruba cause had enriched the region, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
The governor also extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government and the Yoruba people.
Meanwhile, Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, expressed sorrow over the death, describing it as a major loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
The Ogun State governor commiserated with Afenifere, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, other Yoruba leaders, and the family and associates of the deceased.
Abiodun said Fasoranti lived a remarkable life defined by service, patriotism and commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba people and Nigeria.
He described the late elder statesman as one of the enduring voices in the country’s democratic struggle, whose courage and convictions helped shape Nigeria’s political development.
According to Abiodun, Fasoranti’s advocacy for democracy, justice, equity, good governance and restructuring, particularly during the years of military rule, earned him a place among the country’s foremost defenders of democratic governance.
The governor added that Fasoranti represented one of the last surviving links to a generation of nationalist-minded leaders who confronted authoritarian rule and championed democratic freedoms.
He said the late Afenifere leader’s legacy would endure through the values he upheld, the causes he championed and the generations of Nigerians inspired by his commitment to democracy and national development.
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