President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afenifere, governors and traditional rulers have mourned the death of the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
Fasoranti passed away in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday at the age of 100.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had earlier confirmed his demise in a statement he issued.
In the statement, the governor described the late Afenifere leader as a patriarch and 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.”
The statement read, “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.
“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 Secretary to the Ondo State Government, who is also one of the deceased’s sons, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said his father died peacefully in his sleep at around 4 pm in his room.
The SSG, who described his late father as a man of few words and great wisdom, said the Reuben Fasoranti Foundation, which was established 10 years ago, would be sustained by the family.
Leading the condolence messages, President Bola Tinubu recalled that the elder statesman told him in 2022 that he would be President in his lifetime.
He described Fasoranti 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 added, “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.”
Tinubu noted that Fasoranti never wavered in his belief in “true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all” from his days as an educationist and principal through his service as commissioner for finance to his leadership of Afenifere.
He added that Fasoranti “fought for the democracy we enjoy today” at the risk of his life.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Fasoranti as one of the last remaining titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria, anchoring their public service on pure character, deep sacrifice and unwavering integrity.
“His life was a masterclass in purposeful longevity, leadership without blemish, and an absolute dedication to the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole,” Obasanjo said.
As contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Tuesday, the former President noted that Fasoranti assumed leadership of Afenifere during a period of fragmentation and national uncertainty.
Obasanjo said, “He stepped up as a unifying anchor. 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.
“In times of national crisis, he stood firmly against military dictatorship, braved threats to his life, and remained an unyielding voice for true federalism, justice, and equity.
“On a personal note, I will always remember Baba’s warmth and his open-door policy. Even when we found ourselves on different sides of political debates, our mutual respect never waned. I remember with fondness visiting him in Akure, where he always offered wise counsel with steadfast dignity.
In its statement, Afenifere lamented the loss of a humanist, philanthropist, exemplary leader, genuine patriot and Yoruba leader who was an icon and a model of courage, even in the most heart-rending circumstances.
In a statement by the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere stated that Fasoranti lived an exemplary life from which individuals and organisations could draw inspiration and model their lives.
The statement read, “One of the foot soldiers of Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led Action Group in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and in the post-independence period, Fasoranti’s lifetime spanned Nigeria’s colonial era, independence, the Civil War, successive military regimes and the return to democratic rule.
“An educationist of no mean repute, he established educational institutions that included 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 in the old Ondo State.
“Like his hero, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and his other predecessors in office as Afenifere leader, such as Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Chief Abraham Adesanya, Fasoranti, throughout his life, believed that public offices were meant to serve the best interests of the people. He was a democrat par excellence and participated actively in efforts to restore civil rule in Nigeria on the occasions when the military had made incursions into the political terrain of the country.”
The statement added, “He was very active in the National Democratic Coalition, which was at the forefront of efforts to restore the mandate of Chief M.K.O. Abiola in the June 12, 1993 presidential election.”
Afenifere, according to the statement, would sorely miss the exemplary, unassuming and progressive icon, who was a humanist and philanthropist in every sense of the word.
“Details of the burial arrangement will be announced later,” the statement added.
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and monarch of Ilu Abo Community in Ondo State, Oba Olu Falae, described the late Fasoranti as an exceptional generational figure, “one in a thousand years.”
He said, “I’ve known him intimately for more than 60 years, and in all that time, I’ve never heard him quarrel with anybody or shout at anyone, even in political meetings.
“And he was always ready to mediate in any dispute brought to his attention, be it a dispute from the Akure community, from the church, from the political party, wherever. Baba was always ready to sit down and listen to all disputants and assist them in resolving whatever was at issue.”
Govs mourns
The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pa Fasoranti, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor said, “The late elder statesman was one of the enduring voices in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, whose courage, convictions and sacrifices helped shape the country’s political development.
“Pa Fasoranti’s role in the struggle for democracy, particularly during the years of military rule, earned him a place among the foremost defenders of democratic governance and constitutional rule in Nigeria.”
He added, “The deceased remained steadfast in his advocacy for justice, equity, good governance and restructuring, and his principled interventions in national affairs reflected a deep commitment to building a united and prosperous Nigeria.”
Abiodun 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.
He urged Afenifere, the people of Ondo State, the Yoruba nation and the deceased’s family to take solace in the remarkable life he lived and the enduring contributions he made to society.
The governor prayed that God would grant the departed elder statesman eternal rest and give his family, associates and the entire Yoruba nation the fortitude to bear the loss.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, described Fasoranti’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described Pa Fasoranti as a patriot whose life was marked by selfless service, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba people and Nigeria.
Oyebanji said, “The late Afenifere leader will be remembered for his courage, loyalty and principled stand on truth, justice and the rule of law.
“Pa Fasoranti remained committed to justice, equity, good governance and restructuring throughout his life. His contributions to national affairs reflected his desire for a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.”
Oyebanji said the deceased’s legacy would endure through the values he upheld, the causes he championed and the generations inspired by his commitment to democracy and national development.
Awolowo Dosumu mourns
The Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publisher of the Tribune titles, Amb (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, mourned the loss of the last of the titans of the Awolowo political tradition.
She said, “Chief Fasoranti belonged to that extraordinary generation of leaders whose political convictions were rooted in principle, whose commitment to public service was steadfast, and whose loyalty to the ideals and philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo endured through changing times and circumstances.
“Throughout his long and eventful life, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the values of justice, equity, progressive governance and the advancement of the common good.
“Neither the passage of time nor the changing fortunes of politics diminished his dedication to the cause he embraced. As a leader of Afenifere, he represented a vital link with the movement’s founding vision and traditions.”
Awolowo Dosumu said Fasoranti’s wisdom, moral authority and institutional memory would be sorely missed.
She added, “His passing leaves a void that will be exceedingly difficult to fill. For the Awolowo family, and indeed for all who cherish the ideals for which Chief Awolowo stood, this is a particularly poignant loss.
“We mourn not merely the passing of a distinguished elder statesman, but the departure of a faithful custodian of a precious political heritage.”
Bamidele pays tribute
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement on Tuesday, said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Pa Fasoranti.
He described the late centenarian as a patriot par excellence, a statesman of uncommon integrity who consistently placed national interest far above personal or sectional considerations.
“As an educationist, school administrator and community leader, Baba Fasoranti impacted generations of Nigerians and left an indelible mark on our national development trajectory.
“The entire Yoruba race and Nigeria at large will continue to remember Pa Fasoranti for his principled stand, selflessness, and unflinching commitment to true federalism, unity and progress of our nation.
“He was one of the last surviving Awoists, a vital bridge between the politics of the First Republic and the Fourth Republic, and a custodian of the progressive ideals bequeathed to us by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“His wise counsel, moral authority and stabilising voice will be sorely missed at this critical period in our national life.
“On behalf of my family, constituents and the Senate, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Ondo State, Afenifere and the entire Yoruba nation. May his soul find eternal rest, and may God grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement read.