‘End Of An Extraordinary Era,’ Obasanjo mourns Fasoranti

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday, mourned the late leader of the Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, describing his death as the end of  “an extraordinary era.”
 
Fasoranti died on Tuesday at the age of 100.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo described late Fasoranti as one of the last remaining titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria.

To Obasanjo, “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.”

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The former President added that “Baba’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary era. As an educationist, Baba understood early on that building a nation required building its people. Long before he stepped into the turbulent waters of politics, he was in the classrooms, moulding minds, instilling discipline, and building characters as a Principal across various historic institutions.”

Obasanjo recalled that, “his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the UPN administration remains a shining reference point for fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability – virtues that have become painfully rare in our contemporary political landscape.

“When the mantle of leading Afenifere fell upon him during a period of fragmentation and national uncertainty, Baba did not falter. 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 standard dignity.”

On the late former Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, former President said that the news of the former governor was received with sadness, noting that “Nigeria has lost a fine gentleman, a dedicated medical professional, and a consummate statesman whose steady hands guided Delta State through critical periods of socio-political development.”

He said, “I fondly remember my close interactions with Emmanuel during my tenure as President, when he served with distinction under Governor James Ibori, first as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Even during those turbulent political eras and the intense regional agitations in the Niger Delta, Emmanuel stood out as a brilliant administrator and a calm voice of reason.

“Whether we were interfacing on critical healthcare policies or navigating complex Federal-State dynamics, his administrative acumen and loyalty to the peace and progress of Delta State were always evident. It was during those intense years of engagement that I grew to respect his intellect and problem-solving capacity, traits that prepared him seamlessly for the higher calling of leadership when he assumed office as Executive Governor in 2007.”