A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State Kayode Ojo has described the death of the late Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
Ojo said the elder statesman who passed away on Tuesday October 20 2026 at 100 marked the end of a glorious era in Yoruba and Nigerian history.
In a statement on Wednesday the APC chieftain described Fasoranti as the conscience of Nigerian democracy noting that he dedicated his life to pursuing justice true federalism and good governance.
He said the late Afenifere leader remained a symbol of integrity selflessness and courage adding that his commitment to progressive ideals and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians distinguished him as a statesman.
He said ‘The passing of our revered leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti at the age of 100 is a monumental loss not just to Yorubaland but to the entire Nigerian nation.
‘Pa Fasoranti was the true conscience of Nigerian democracy. He was a patriot par excellence a custodian of the progressive ideals of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a fearless voice who stood to defend the cause of the common man without fear or favour.’
He recalled that Fasoranti’s contributions to public service spanned his career as an educationist and school administrator his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State and his leadership of Afenifere.
According to him the deceased also played a significant role in the struggle to restore democracy after the annulment of the June 12 1993 presidential election.
Ojo described Fasoranti as a bridge between the politics of the First Republic and the Fourth Republic saying his counsel moral authority and stabilising influence would be sorely missed.
He said that the elder statesman’s death came at a critical period in the country’s development when his wisdom and commitment to democratic principles remained invaluable.
The APC chieftain commiserated with the Fasoranti family the people of Ondo State Afenifere the Yoruba nation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the loss.
He also recalled Fasoranti’s support for Tinubu whom the late elder statesman regarded as a progressive leader.
Ojo prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant his family associates and the country the fortitude to bear the loss.
‘May the soul of Baba Fasoranti rest in perfect peace’ he said.