Tributes pour in as Afenifere leader Fasoranti dies at 100

Aiyedatiwa: Fasoranti influenced government decisions at 100

Tinubu mourns, recalls his role in democracy struggle

Sanwo-Olu: His death marks end of an era

By Adebola Muili

Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of foremost Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, at the age of 100, with President Bola Tinubu and South-West governors paying glowing tributes to his contributions to democracy, education, public service and the struggle for true federalism.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, disclosed that the late elder statesman continued to influence government decisions even at an advanced age, describing him as a man whose wisdom, humility and commitment to public affairs remained remarkable until his death.

Aiyedatiwa spoke during a condolence visit to Fasoranti’s residence in Akure, where he expressed shock at the death of the centenarian despite his advanced age.

“Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,” the governor said.

He recalled that on the eve of Fasoranti’s 100th birthday, the elder statesman insisted that the celebration should take place at his residence rather than at the Dome of the Olusegun Mimiko International Conference and Event Centre, where major events were usually held.

The governor said he visited the residence that night to inspect preparations for the celebration, which the Vice-President was expected to attend on behalf of President Tinubu.

He described Fasoranti as an embodiment of humility, kindness and wisdom whose contributions to education and public service had shaped generations of Nigerians.

Aiyedatiwa also recalled the late leader’s support during his political challenges as deputy governor, saying Fasoranti intervened on his behalf by writing to the highest authority in the country.

The governor said the deceased’s influence extended across generations, noting that many people whose lives he shaped had become prominent figures in different parts of the world.

“We cannot but celebrate his life and times. We are not mourning. We are just celebrating and thanking God for a life that was well lived,” he said.

The Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said the family would preserve the values of firmness, resilience, hard work and love bequeathed by their late patriarch.

He disclosed that his father often told family members that he had a covenant with God to depart at the age of 100 and repeatedly instructed them not to cry when he died.

“We are not mourning Baba. We are rejoicing. Baba has left us a big pair of shoes to step into, but we can only thank God for the legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love that he left us with,” he said.

Taiwo described his father as a devoted parent who remained actively involved in his children’s lives from elementary school through university, extending the same attention to his grandchildren.

He said the family would miss the late elder statesman’s presence and wise counsel, describing him as a man of few words who communicated his message quietly but effectively.

The SSG added that his father remained committed to modest living even while serving as Commissioner for Finance in the old Western Region, choosing to raise his children in the family residence rather than move into government quarters.

He appealed for prayers for the family as it adjusted to the loss, expressing confidence that Fasoranti’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would uphold his virtues.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has described Fasoranti as an icon of integrity and one of the last great figures of the progressive political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, October 20, Tinubu said the deceased devoted his life to the advancement of the Yoruba people and Nigeria, particularly through his contributions to education, governance and the struggle for democracy.

The President recalled Fasoranti’s service as an educationist, principal, Commissioner for Finance in the old Western Region and leader of Afenifere, noting that he remained steadfast in his advocacy for true federalism, social justice and national development.

He also commended the late elder statesman’s role in the struggle for democracy, saying he made immense contributions to the country and risked his life in the process.

“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 visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency, saying the elder statesman prayed for his success.

Tinubu said he had hoped the centenarian would live to witness his second term and the anticipated benefits of economic growth and prosperity.

He, however, expressed gratitude to God for the deceased’s long life of service and prayed for comfort for the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure, the Ondo State Government and members of Afenifere.

Similarly, Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Fasoranti’s death as the end of an era, saying his contributions to education, leadership and public service would remain indelible.

Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message he personally signed, described the late Afenifere leader as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service who served the Yoruba people and Nigeria with dedication.

He said Fasoranti made significant contributions to Yorubaland and the country through his leadership of Afenifere and his longstanding advocacy for truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance.

The Lagos governor said the deceased’s courageous and principled leadership had positively impacted many lives, while his commitment to community development remained commendable.

On behalf of his family, the Lagos State Government, the people of the state and his colleagues in the South-West Governors’ Forum, Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the Fasoranti family, Aiyedatiwa, the government and people of Ondo State, particularly the people of Akure Kingdom, and members of Afenifere.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant the family, loved ones and the Yoruba people the fortitude to bear the loss.