Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has expressed sadness over the death of the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-poitical organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, at the age of 100.
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.
NAN
‘He said I would be president in his lifetime’ — Tinubu mourns Fasoranti
President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, who died on Tuesday aged of 100.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, announced Fasoranti’s death in a statement, describing him as a respected elder statesman committed to the development of Ondo, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
In a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, Tinubu said he received the news of Fasoranti’s death with “profound sadness”.
“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,” the statement reads.
The president 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”.
He said Fasoranti’s 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,” Tinubu said.
“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.
“Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most,” he said.
The president recalled Fasoranti’s centenary celebration on May 11, noting that it marked not just his longevity but also a legacy of honour.
“He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints in the sands of time,” Tinubu said.
He also recalled visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency.
“Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer,” he said.
Tinubu said he had hoped Afenifere would live to witness his second term in office and the anticipated economic growth and prosperity.
“But we must thank God for Pa Fasoranti’s long life of service, grace and fulfilment,” he said.
The president prayed for the repose of Fasoranti’s soul and asked God to comfort his family and others mourning his death.
