Eminent Nigerians, royal fathers, political leaders, and socio-cultural groups, among others, have mourned the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died on Tuesday at the age of 100.
Among those who paid tribute to the late elder statesman were the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former governors Kayode Fayemi and Olusegun Mimiko; the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and a former Osun State Deputy Governor, Iyiola Omisore. Others were a faction of Afenifere, the Conscience of Yoruba Nation Group, and the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju.
Akpabio, on Wednesday, mourned the death of Fasoranti, describing him as a patriot and elder statesman whose legacy of service and integrity would continue to inspire generations.
In a condolence message issued by his media office and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the death as a major loss to Fasoranti’s family, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
He said Fasoranti belonged to a generation of leaders whose lives were defined by service, strong convictions and commitment to the common good.
“Reuben Fasoranti was one of those rare elder statesmen whose lives embodied the wisdom of experience and the strength of conviction. His passing is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family and the Yoruba people, but also to the entire Nigerian nation.
“At 100, 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,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that Fasoranti lived a long and consequential life, leaving behind a legacy worthy of emulation.
Oba Ogunwusi, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the Ooni Palace Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, described the passing of the centenarian as “a profound loss to the Yoruba race and Nigeria,” noting that his life was marked by dedicated service, wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of his people.
Ogunwusi also described Fasoranti as a prominent member of “a generation of respected leaders, whose contributions to the political development of the country, the preservation of Yoruba identity and the struggle for democratic governance would remain significant in the nation’s history.”
He noted that the late Afenifere leader’s commitment to justice, good governance, equity and the welfare of the Yoruba people reflected the enduring values of responsible leadership and service to humanity.
He further observed that Fasoranti’s influence extended beyond his leadership of Afenifere, adding that “his decades of public service and political engagement made him a respected voice in discussions concerning the future of Yorubaland and Nigeria.”
He extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, the people of Akure, the government and people of Ondo State, and the entire Yoruba race over the death of the centenarian.
Omisore, in a condolence message signed by the Director General, Rescue Mission, the Omisore Campaign Organisation, Ajibola Famurewa, described the late centenarian as a true nation-builder and an uncommon leader whose wealth of experience would be sorely missed by the entire Yoruba race in particular and Nigeria in general.
According to him, Fasoranti was not just a leader but an institution: a leader with uncommon leadership acumen, a consummate team player, and a repository of knowledge who spoke with remarkable accuracy and depth despite his advanced age.
“What made Baba exceptional was that even at 100, he remained politically alert, mentally sound and intellectually sharp. He never suffered the memory loss often associated with old age. He could recall events, dates and historical facts with precision. He was one of those rare gems created by God,” Omisore said.
He noted that Fasoranti would be remembered for his uprightness, discipline and incorruptible leadership, which made him stand out as a moral compass for Afenifere and for Yorubaland.
He also recounted several occasions “where Fasoranti’s wisdom, fatherly counsel and strategic guidance helped to shape, stabilise and strengthen Afenifere as a formidable socio-political group, making it the envy of similar groups in other parts of the country.”
He said the late elder statesman’s principled stand on justice, federalism, restructuring and good governance provided direction for the Yoruba nation for decades, and that his century-long life was a lesson in selfless service.
Omisore extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State, the entire Afenifere family and Yorubaland, praying that God would grant the soul of the departed patriarch eternal rest.
Mimiko described Pa Fasoranti as a distinguished educationist and devoted disciple of Obafemi Awolowo.
In a statement he issued on Wednesday, Mimiko said the passing of Fasoranti at the remarkable age of 100 marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the political and moral history of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He said, “He was more than an elder statesman; he was a custodian of a political tradition, a devoted disciple of Obafemi Awolowo and a man whose life embodied the enduring virtues of discipline, integrity, courage and service.
“As an educationist, administrator, politician, Afenifere leader and pro-democracy activist, Fasoranti distinguished himself across generations. His service as Commissioner for Finance in the administration of the late Michael Adekunle Ajasin was a defining expression of his commitment to public probity and responsible governance.
“His subsequent leadership of the progressive movement, particularly as the leader of Afenifere until his demise, reflected a lifelong conviction that politics must be anchored in principle and directed towards the welfare of the people.”
The former governor further eulogised that Fasoranti, as leader of Afenifere, provided wise, principled and steady guidance to the organisation and to the broader and global Yoruba political family.
“He carried the responsibility with dignity, courage and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of social justice, good governance, federalism and the advancement of the Yoruba people within a united and prosperous Nigeria and in the diaspora.
“Never for once were personal ambition or greed markers of his leadership philosophy or direction; it was all about fidelity to principle and an abiding concern for the future of the nation.
“He belonged to a generation for whom public service was a duty, not an avenue for private enrichment; for whom political convictions were not disposable conveniences; and for whom the struggle for a better society demanded consistency, sacrifice and courage. His steadfastness through the difficult years of military rule and his commitment to democratic ideals remain important lessons for our country.
“When tragedy of monumental proportions visited him through the loss of his wife and another of a dear daughter, he soldiered on with uncommon stoicism and untainted submission to the supreme will of God,” Mimiko eulogised.
He also noted that Fasoranti’s death was a profound loss to the people of Ondo State, saying, “We have lost a father figure whose long life connected our political present to some of the most consequential chapters of our collective history.
“His was a generation that understood the value of institutions, the responsibilities of leadership and the need to preserve a political culture in which the public good must always take precedence over personal interest.
“At over a century lived on this side, Baba leaves behind more than the memories of a long and eventful life. He leaves a standard by which leadership may be judged and a legacy that challenges younger generations to pursue public life with honour, courage and an abiding sense of responsibility,” the statement concluded.
Fayemi, on his part, expressed grief over the passing of Fasoranti, as he described him as “our father, my school principal under whose influence I grew, and elder statesman whose service, wisdom and principled leadership left an enduring mark on the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.”
In a condolence statement he signed, Fayemi said the passing of Fasoranti represented a significant loss to the Yoruba people, the progressive political tradition and the wider Nigerian community.
He further noted that the late Afenifere leader distinguished himself through his integrity, fairness and commitment to the welfare of his people.
He described Fasoranti as a leader who carried the enormous responsibility of guiding the Yoruba nation with wisdom, restraint and a deep sense of justice, earning the respect of people across political divides and generations.
“Fasoranti was a remarkable leader whose strength lay not only in his convictions but also in his wisdom, fairness and ability to listen. He understood that leadership, particularly for a people with such a rich history and strong democratic tradition as the Yoruba, demanded patience, courage, inclusiveness and a constant commitment to the common good.
“He provided a steady moral compass at critical moments in our national life and demonstrated that it is possible to remain firm in one’s principles while treating others with dignity and fairness. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt,” Fayemi said.
The former governor also paid tribute to the personal mentorship and fatherly counsel he received from Fasoranti over the years, describing their relationship as one of the most valuable influences on his public life.
According to him, the late elder statesman was always willing to share his experience and offer guidance, often providing perspectives that encouraged reflection, moderation and an appreciation of the responsibilities of leadership.
“For me, this loss is deeply personal. Fasoranti was not merely a leader I admired from a distance; he was a mentor and father figure whose counsel I valued immensely. Over the years, I had the privilege of drawing on his wisdom, benefiting from his encouragement and receiving his honest assessment of issues affecting our people and our country.
“His advice was often measured, thoughtful and grounded in enduring principles. He had a way of reminding one that public service must ultimately be judged by its impact on the lives of the people and that no political ambition should supersede the larger interests of society.
“I will always cherish the guidance he gave me and remain grateful for the privilege of learning from him,” he said.
Fayemi noted that Fasoranti’s legacy extended beyond his leadership of Afenifere to his contributions to education, progressive politics, democratic development and the advancement of the Yoruba people.
He said the late statesman remained an important custodian of the progressive ideals associated with Obafemi Awolowo, particularly the pursuit of social justice, good governance and improvement of the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“Fasoranti leaves behind a legacy of courage, integrity, service and devotion to the ideals of justice and good governance.
“His life reminds us that genuine leadership is not about the pursuit of power or personal recognition, but about the responsibility to serve, the courage to stand by one’s convictions and the wisdom to put the interests of the people first.
“The challenge before those of us who remain is to preserve these values and ensure that the ideals for which he stood continue to guide our political and public institutions,” Fayemi said.
The Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, described the late Fasoranti as a committed advocate of justice, true federalism and democratic values.
Tunji-Ojo, in a condolence message on Wednesday, said the late elder statesman devoted his life to selfless service and principled leadership, adding that his contributions to the political development of Ondo State and Nigeria would remain indelible.
According to the minister, Fasoranti was a lifelong disciple of the late sage, Awolowo, and a longstanding leader of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere.
“Fasoranti is a true leader and an enduring symbol of Nigeria’s democratic journey. He devoted his life to selfless service and principled leadership. His contributions to the political development of Ondo State and Nigeria would remain indelible.
“Fasoranti was a lifelong disciple of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, and a longstanding leader of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere,” the statement read.
The minister said the deceased was committed to protecting the dignity of the Yoruba people while promoting national unity and democratic values.
He also recalled that the late elder statesman was recently celebrated at an event in Lagos to mark his 100th birthday, describing the occasion as a rare honour that reflected the respect he commanded across generations and political divides.
“I extend my condolences to his family, the people of Ondo State, members of Afenifere and all those inspired by the deceased’s life and service. I pray for the repose of Fasoranti’s soul and for divine comfort for the family and others mourning his passing.
“Adieu, Fasoranti. Your legacy of courage, service and integrity endures,” the minister said.
Afenifere faction mourns
A faction of Afenifere mourned the death of Fasoranti, describing the centenarian elder statesman as a custodian of Yoruba values whose lifelong pursuit of democracy and social justice shaped his political legacy.
In a statement dated Wednesday, October 21, and signed by its leader, Oladipo Olaitan, and Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John, the factional organisation said Fasoranti devoted his life to the ideals of justice, equity, fairness and a more prosperous Nigeria.
The group said his passing marked the loss of a prominent representative of Nigeria’s pre-independence political generation, whose experiences spanned the country’s political evolution and whose interventions challenged successive governments to meet the aspirations of the nation’s founding generation.
“Through press statements, interviews and public interventions, he consistently articulated his convictions about Nigeria’s development, democratic journey and unfinished national aspirations,” the statement said.
It added that his service extended beyond politics to his community in Akure, Ondo State, Yorubaland and the wider Nigerian federation.
“Papa lived a long, purposeful and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of principled leadership, steadfast service and fidelity to the ideals he cherished,” the group said.
The Conscience of Yoruba Nation Group also mourned the death of Fasoranti, describing him as a committed custodian of Awoism and an elder statesman whose life was defined by principle and public service.
In a statement released to The PUNCH on Wednesday and signed by its Convener, Kole Omololu, the group said it received the news of Fasoranti’s passing “with profound sorrow.”
It described the deceased as a revered elder statesman, educationist, pro-democracy activist and distinguished leader of Afenifere.
The group said his death marked the end of “an extraordinary chapter” in the political history of Yorubaland and Nigeria, adding that with his departure, the Yoruba nation had lost a man whose life was defined by an uncommon devotion to principle, an abiding commitment to public service and an unwavering belief in the progressive ideals of Awolowo.
The group said Fasoranti was not merely a follower of Awolowo but a steadfast adherent of Awoism and one of its most committed custodians.
According to the group, Fasoranti did not treat Awoism as a convenient political slogan or a legacy to be exploited for personal gain. It said he saw it as a philosophy of governance founded on education, social justice, accountable leadership, genuine federalism and the welfare of ordinary citizens.
The group recalled his service as an educationist, his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the progressive administration of Michael Adekunle Ajasin, and his decades of involvement in Afenifere.
It said these reflected a consistent commitment to progressive ideals, and that through changing political circumstances he remained faithful to the conviction that political leadership must be judged by its contribution to society, not by the privileges it afforded its occupants.
“Fasoranti has departed, but the ideals to which he devoted his life endure. The most fitting tribute to his memory is to uphold the principles he cherished and ensure that Awoism remains a living commitment to justice, integrity and the welfare of our people,” the group said.
The South-West Agenda for Asiwaju, SWAGA’23, also mourned the passing of Fasoranti.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dayo Adeyeye, the group said it received “with deep sadness and total submission to the will of God” the news of the passing of “our revered leader, father and elder statesman, Reuben Fasoranti, National Leader of Afenifere, who departed this world at the glorious age of 100.”
The group described Fasoranti as “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 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.”
It said his life was a century of sacrifice, integrity and selfless service.
“From the Action Group to the Unity Party of Nigeria, and as the moral compass of Afenifere, he consistently championed true federalism, good governance, social justice, and the unity and progress of Nigeria. He fought for the democracy we enjoy today, at the risk of his own life, and remained a custodian of the progressive ideals that shaped the South-West,” the group said.
SWAGA’23 said it would “forever remain grateful” to Fasoranti for his fatherly support and blessing in the build-up to the 2023 general elections.
“At a critical time, when the journey for Bola Tinubu’s presidency needed the moral authority and guidance of the Yoruba race, Fasoranti opened his doors to us, received us with love in Akure, and gave his full endorsement and prayers. That gesture gave SWAGA’23 strength, legitimacy and confidence, and remains one of the defining moments in our movement,” the statement read.
It added that his passing was “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.
“He was the last of the great titans of the Awoist tradition, a bridge between the First Republic and the Fourth Republic.”
A former Alliance for Democracy Chief Whip in the House of Representatives, Babatunde Oduyoye, on Wednesday described the death of Pa Fasoranti as a huge loss to the Yoruba race and humanity at large at a critical period of nation-building.
Oduyoye, in a condolence message to the Fasoranti family, a copy of which was forwarded to The PUNCH in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said the late leader of Afenifere lived a selfless life, serving humanity till the last.
According to him, the departed Afenifere leader did not let down the greats who led the organisation before him, adding that he served the people even in old age.
The former member of the House of Representatives wrote, “The departure of Fasoranti is not a moment for mourning. It is a moment to celebrate a life well lived in service of humanity. Here is a man who cut his political teeth under the leadership of the sage, Obafemi Awolowo, and one who never deviated from the life more abundant principle, which Awoism represents.
“I am proud to say that he earned his laurels deservedly. In him, we celebrate the life of a true Yoruba and Nigerian leader, who stood by the people in thick and thin and who never shied away from the organisation’s relentless demand for restructuring and true federalism.
“Rather than mourn his departure, we can only celebrate a man who came, saw and achieved greatness for his people and his generation. May his soul rest peacefully with his Maker. Amen.”