File: National Leader of Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti
The South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA’23) has expressed condolences to the family of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the National Leader of Afenifere, who died at the age of 100.
The group, in a condolence statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, on Wednesday, described the late elder statesman as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history whose life was defined by sacrifice, integrity and selfless service.
“Baba Fasoranti was a towering figure in Nigeria’s history, a teacher, educationist, former Commissioner for Finance of the old Ondo State, a faithful disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and a fearless pro-democracy activist who stood on the side of truth and justice through the most trying periods of our national life,” the statement said.
SWAGA’23 noted that Fasoranti consistently championed good governance, true federalism, social justice and national unity through his involvement in the progressive political movement and his leadership role in Afenifere.
“His life was a century of sacrifice, integrity and selfless service,” the group said, adding that he remained a custodian of the progressive ideals that shaped the South-West.
The group also recalled the late Afenifere leader’s support during the build-up to the 2023 general elections, particularly his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
According to the statement, Fasoranti received members of SWAGA’23 in Akure and offered his blessing and prayers at a critical point in their political activities.
“At a critical time, when the journey for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency needed the moral authority and guidance of the Yoruba race, Pa Fasoranti opened his doors to us, received us with love in Akure, and gave his full endorsement and prayers,” the statement said.
SWAGA’23 added that the gesture gave the group strength and confidence, describing it as one of the defining moments in its history.
The group said Fasoranti’s death was a loss not only to his family, the people of Akure, Ondo State and Afenifere, but also to the Yoruba people and Nigeria at large.
“His passing is not just a loss to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State and Afenifere, but to the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria at large,” it said.
Describing him as a bridge between different generations of Nigerian politics, the group added: “He was the last of the great titans of the Awoist tradition — a bridge between the First Republic and the Fourth Republic.”
Adeyeye, on behalf of the leadership and members of SWAGA’23 across the South-West and Nigeria, extended condolences to Fasoranti’s family, Afenifere, and the government and people of Ondo State.
“We pray God grants his gentle soul eternal rest and comforts all who mourn him. May his legacy live on forever,” the statement added.