A former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, on Wednesday mourned the passing of Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti, who died in his house at Ijapo on Tuesday evening at 100 years old.
Mr Mimiko, in a tribute titled “Pa Reuben Fasoranti: A Century of Principle, Service and Conviction,” described Mr Fasoranti’s death as the end of an extraordinary chapter in the political and moral history of the state and Nigeria.
The governor said, “Pa Fasoranti was a custodian of a political tradition, a devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a man whose life embodied discipline, integrity, courage and service. As an educationist, administrator, politician and pro-democracy activist, Pa Fasoranti distinguished himself across generations.
“When he served as commissioner for finance in the administration of the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, it was a defining expression of his commitment to public probity. His leadership of Afenifere until his demise reflected a lifelong conviction that politics must be anchored in principle and directed towards the people’s welfare.
“Pa Fasoranti provided wise and steady guidance to the organisation and the global Yoruba political family with dignity and unwavering commitment to social justice and federalism. His personal ambition or greed never marked his leadership, and he soldiered on with uncommon stoicism in spite of personal tragedies.”
The eldest child of the late Afenifere leader, Taiwo Fasoranti, said that his father had a covenant with God to die at the age of 100.
Mr Taiwo, who is also the secretary to the Ondo State government (SSG), disclosed during a condolence visit by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa that his father had repeatedly told family members that he had a covenant with God to depart from the world upon attaining 100.
He stated, “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.”
Similarly, the Conscience of Yoruba Nation Group, in a statement by its convener, Abagun Kole Omololu, described Mr Fasoranti as a steadfast adherent of Awoism.
Mr Omoluolu, who said Mr Fasoranti’s death was a profound loss, explained that the Afenifere leader remained faithful to the philosophy of governance founded on education, social justice, accountable leadership and genuine federalism.
“Fasoranti’s integrity offered a powerful contrast to a political culture where principles were sacrificed for expediency. He was not merely a follower of Awolowo but a steadfast adherent of Awoism and one of its most committed custodians.
“Fasoranti represented a philosophy of governance founded on education, social justice, accountable leadership, genuine federalism and welfare of citizens.
“His integrity and steadfastness offer a powerful contrast to a political culture where principles are often sacrificed at the altar of expediency,” the convener said.
Mr Omololu, therefore, extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, Afenifere, the people of Akure and Ondo states, and explained that the most fitting tribute to him was to uphold the principles he cherished.
During the governor’s visit, Mr Taiwo appreciated him for identifying with the family during this period, while appealing for prayers to enable the children to sustain their father’s legacies.
Speaking, Mr Aiyedatiwa described the late Afenifere leader as an epitome of humility, kindness and wisdom whose contributions to governance and national development would remain indelible.
He said, “Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound.”
Mr Aiyedatiwa described the deceased as a great educator whose positive influence extended across generations, producing prominent personalities within and outside Nigeria.
“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 governor said the late nationalist lived a fulfilled life characterised by humility, kindness, wisdom and dedication to the service of humanity.
Mr Aiyedatiwa urged the family and other Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the deceased and continue to make meaningful contributions to society. Senate President Godswill Akpabio also described the passing of Mr Fasoranti as a profound loss to his family, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.
He said the deceased belonged to a distinguished generation of Nigerians, whose lives were defined by service, conviction and an abiding commitment to the common good.
The Senate president also said that Mr Fasoranti’s life of a century was a remarkable testament to the enduring values of integrity, courage, selflessness and devotion to public service.
“As a prominent voice in Nigeria’s socio-political development and a respected leader of Afenifere, he made lasting contributions to political discourse, democratic governance and the pursuit of justice,” he said.
According to Mr Akpabio, Mr Fasoranti’s legacy transcends ethnic and political boundaries, serving as a reminder that principled leadership, constructive engagement and respect for democratic ideals remain indispensable to national progress.
“At 100, Baba Fasoranti leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, courage and fidelity to his convictions.
“His life reminds us that true leadership is measured not merely by the positions we occupy but by the values we uphold, the people we serve and the positive impact we leave on society.
“Though he has departed, the principles he stood for and the example he set will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians,” he said.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and that the soul of the departed elder statesman would find peaceful repose.
“May the memory of Pa Reuben Fasoranti remain a source of inspiration, and may his life of service continue to remind us of our collective responsibility to build a just, united and prosperous Nigeria,” Mr Akpabio added.
(NAN)
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