More tributes poured in yesterday for the Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti who passed on in Akure Ondo State capital on Tuesday.
Vice President Kashim Shettima Senate President Godswill Akpabio Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Interior Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA’23) and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi lauded his contributions to nation-building democracy and development.
Vice President Shettima said with Fasoranti’s demise the country has lost a century of wisdom principled leadership and invaluable political experience that shape its democratic evolution.
Shettima said the passing of the revered Yoruba leader marked the end of a remarkable chapter in the nation’s political history noting that his century-long life embodied the struggles sacrifices and aspirations of successive generations of Nigerians.
The Vice President in a condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications Stanley Nkwocha said Fasoranti belonged to a generation of leaders who regarded public service not merely as an opportunity to occupy political office but as a lifelong obligation to society.
He described the late patriarch as a custodian of political memory whose contributions to education democratic governance and progressive politics transcended ethnic and regional boundaries.
He was very patriotic says Akpabio
Akpabio described the passing of Fasoranti as a profound loss to his family the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole noting that the deceased belonged to a distinguished generation of Nigerians whose lives were defined by service conviction and an abiding commitment to the common good.
He said 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’ Akpabio said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Hon. Eseme Eyiboh in Abuja.
The Senate President said the late elder statesman’s legacy transcended ethnic and political boundaries serving as a reminder that principled leadership constructive engagement and respect for democratic ideals remain indispensable to national progress.
He added: ‘Pa Reuben Fasoranti was one of those rare elder statesmen whose lives embodied the wisdom of experience and the strength of conviction.
Conscience of Yoruba gone says Makinde
Makinde described the deceased as a towering conscience of the Yoruba nation whose century long life radiated wisdom courage and unwavering moral clarity.
The governor said: ‘For many decades Pa Fasoranti stood at the intersection of conscience and public duty shaping the moral architecture of our politics and offering guidance that transcended generations. His transition is a historic loss for our people.
‘His passing is not just the departure of an elder statesman; it is the dimming of a light that guided our people through decades of political turbulence cultural evolution and national transformation.
‘Pa Fasoranti spent many of his 100 years shaping minds strengthening institutions and reminding us of the values that define us as Yoruba. We will greatly miss him and his insights.’
He added:’His wisdom humility and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba cause enriched every corner of our region.
Obasanjo: He served his generation
Obasanjo in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Kehinde Akinyemi described Fasoranti as one of the last remaining titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria.
He said Fasoranti anchored public service on character sacrifice and integrity describing his life as a masterclass in purposeful longevity and leadership without blemish.
Obasanjo added: ‘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.’
He recalled Fasoranti’s role as a principal in historic institutions and as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) which he said remained a reference point for fiscal discipline and transparency.
SWAGA: He was custodian of progressive ideals
SWAGA described the deceased as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history and a champion of democracy.
SWAGA Chairman Senator Dayo Adeyeye said Fasoranti’s death at the age of 100 was a loss to the Yoruba race and the country adding that he was a committed disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said Fasoranti stood firmly for truth and justice during difficult periods in Nigeria’s history noting that his life was marked by sacrifice integrity and selfless service.
He said the deceased played significant roles in the Action Group )AG) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) while championing the cause of true federalism good governance social justice and national unity.
Oshun: Last of colossus gone home
ARG leader Olawale Oshun Third Republic House of Representatives Chief Whip described Fasoranti as the last of colossus who had stepped on.
He said: ‘He was a great teacher a great leader; always clear in his mind on what he wanted. He was a complete gentleman. He was lucky to turn 100 in good health. He achieved a lot. It will be difficult to replace him.’
Oshun who reflected on the challenge of succession in the group added:’Let’s unify the group first. All the structures should come together.’
Ojelabi: He was a pillar of wisdom integrity
Ojelabi described the death of the revered statesman as a monumental loss to Yorubaland the progressive family and Nigeria as a whole noting that he lived a remarkable life defined by integrity discipline selfless service and an enduring commitment to good governance.
He said Fasoranti belonged to a distinguished generation of leaders whose convictions and sacrifices helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey and progressive political tradition.
Ojelabi said the late Afenifere leader was a respected voice of wisdom and conscience whose dedication to justice social development and the welfare of the Yoruba people earned him admiration across political and ideological divides.
Afenifere: We lost a
father
Afenifere the pan-Yoruba group lamented the demise of the humanist philanthropist an exemplary leader a genuine patriot. a Yoruba leader and an icon who was a model of courage even very heart-rending circumstances.
It’s Publicity Secretary Jared Ajayi said: ‘Like Chief Obafemi Awolowo Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Chief Abraham Adesanya Fasoranti throughout his life believed that public offices were meant to serve the best interest of the people.
‘He was a democrat par excellence and participated actively in efforts to restore civil rule in Nigeria on the occasions that the military had made incursions into the political terrain of the country. He was very active in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that was in the forefront of restoring the June 12 1993 presidential election of Chief M.K.O. Abiola.’
Tunji-Ojo pays tribute
Paying tribute Tunji-Ojo in a statement he personally signed described the deceased as a true leader and enduring symbol of democracy.
He said: ‘In him Nigeria has lost a true leader and an enduring symbol of our democratic journey.’
The minister said Fasoranti’s century of existence was anchored on selfless service; a life that stands as a testament to principled leadership.
He described him as ‘a lifelong disciple of the sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a longstanding leader of Afenifere who stood firm for justice true federalism and the dignity of the Yoruba people while remaining a steadfast voice for national unity and democratic values.’
Fayemi mourns former school principal
Fayemi expressed grief describing the deceased 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.”
He said the passing represented a significant loss to the Yoruba people the progressive political tradition and the wider Nigerian community.
The former governor said the late Afenifere leader distinguished himself through his integrity fairness and commitment to the welfare of his people.
He described Pa 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.
Fayemi said: ‘Baba 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.
‘It’s end of an era’
A group the Conscience of Yoruba Nation’ in a statement by its Convener Abagun Kole Omololu said the late statesman remained committed to the progressive ideals of Awolowo throughout his public life.
It said Fasoranti regarded Awoism as more than a political slogan as a philosophy rooted in education social justice accountable leadership genuine federalism and the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Mimiko hails legacy of integrity
Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko described the departed leader as a statesman whose century-long life was defined by integrity courage selfless service and unwavering commitment to progressive ideals.
He said Fasoranti’s death at the age of 100 marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the political and moral history of Ondo State Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Yayi: A monumental loss to Yorubaland
Ogun State APC governorship candidate Senator Solomon Adeola said the demise is a monumental loss to Yorubaland.
He said Fasoranti’s 100-year journey was defined by patriotism courage wisdom and selfless service to humanity.
He will be missed says Oluwande
The Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande hailed Fasoranti’s deep commitment to the advancement of society democratic values and the welfare of the Yoruba people.
He said the deceased belonged to a generation of public figures whose convictions personal discipline and dedication to the common good earned them enduring respect.
The minister noted that Fasoranti’s decades of involvement in public affairs alongside his contributions to education and the development of his people had secured him a lasting place in the history of Ondo State and the Yoruba nation.
Hamzat: He left a legacy of service
Lagos APC governorship candidate Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat described Fasoranti as a distinguished educator principled leader and respected voice in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape whose life was devoted to the pursuit of justice fairness and the preservation of Yoruba values within a united Nigeria.
‘Pa Fasoranti lived a remarkable century of service to his people and humanity. His life was defined by integrity conviction and an enduring commitment to justice. He was a voice of wisdom whose counsel and principles will continue to inspire generations to come.’
The deputy governor urged the bereaved family and the Yoruba nation to draw comfort from the enduring impact of his life the values he upheld and the many lives he touched.
He managed Ondo finances well says Oyedele
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele described the late Afenifere leader as a model of financial prudence accountability and ethical leadership.
He said Fasoranti’s record as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the administration of Chief Michael Ajasin remained an important example for those responsible for managing public funds.
The minister said the late elder statesman’s life was marked by integrity strong principles and dedicated public service.
Oyedele added: ‘For those of us in economic management his record as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under Chief Michael Ajasin remains a clear benchmark of prudence accountability and ethical stewardship.’
His death is a huge loss to Nigeria says Youth minister Olawande
Also the Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande has paid tribute to the late Afenifere leader describing his death as a major loss to Ondo State the South-West and Nigeria.
In a statement issued to mourn the elder statesman Olawande said his life was defined by a deep commitment to the advancement of society democratic values and the welfare of the Yoruba people.
Oodua youths celebrate a life well spent
The Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC) described Fasoranti’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation Ondo State and Nigeria.
The coalition in a condolence statement by its General Secretary Olaoye M. Abolaji said the late elder statesman exemplified the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos particularly integrity honesty discipline selflessness and commitment to the common good.
It said Fasoranti lived a life defined by principle and conviction remaining faithful to his beliefs and values throughout his long and impactful lifetime.
According to the group his contributions to public life and commitment to responsible leadership justice and accountability remain worthy of emulation by younger generations.
The coalition added that the late centenarian’s life demonstrated that greatness was measured not merely by age or position but by the values a person upheld and the positive impact made on society.
It said his death had left a profound void among those who admired his courage wisdom and commitment to preserving the cultural and moral heritage of the Yoruba people.
The OYC urged Yoruba youths to draw lessons from his life by embracing the principles of integrity honour hard work respect and accountability in their personal lives and public engagements.
The coalition also extended its condolences to Fasoranti’s family Afenifere the people of Akure and the Ondo State Government.
The group however prayed that God would grant the bereaved family and others mourning the elder statesman the strength to endure the loss while his legacy of integrity and service continued to inspire generations.
Akure group: It’s an irreparable loss
The Ooye Development Initiative (ODI) has described the passage of Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti as ‘irreparable’ and a sad day for the Akure kingdom.
ODI a sociocultural umbrella body of Akure Ondo State sons and daughters representing indigenes sons and daughters of Akure the capital of Ondo State is a group that actively engages in community advocacy cultural preservation and governance accountability in the state.
It made this known after a visit to the family house of Pa Fasoranti to commiserate with his family on the exit of the Yoruba foremost leader.
In a release issued by its President Mr. Tokunbo Jegede the group said that rare persons it called ‘avatars’ like Fasoranti live with a people once in multiple generations maintaining that Akure was fortunate to have been favoured by God to play host to such in Fasoranti for 100 years.
‘For us it is like the sun setting at noon for the people of Akure Kingdom. Though Papa Fasoranti left this world at a desirable age having lived to attain the advanced age of a centenary Akure could not have had enough of his imperishable imprints on the sands of time’ said the statement.
ODI recalled Pa Fasoranti’s ‘single-handed’ role of placing Akure on the maps of the world through his invaluable contributions to its development and advancement since 1951 when he graduated from the University of Ibadan.
It recalled that with his love for education Fasoranti established Omolere school the first privately-owned educational institution in the old Ondo Province which today spans Ekiti and Ondo States as well as establishing Akure High School in 1973 and St Francis Secondary school in early 1980s and how his joining forces with the political and cultural groups established by Chief Obafemi Awolowo placed his Akure people on the front burner of recognition by the political forces of pre-independence the First and Second Republic as well as thereafter.
‘Chief Fasoranti made Akure Kingdom proud brought the world’s attention to its people and promoted the values of Omoluabi which the forebears of the people established as the irreducible minimum of the people’s ethos in their relationship with humanity’ said ODI.
The Initiative also said that towards Pa Fasoranti’s twilight of existence on earth he bequeathed to the people of Akure the dividends of his national honour and respect through the bestowal of the Federal University Teaching Hospital Akure (FUTHAT) project which President Bola Tinubu gave Akure people in recognition of Fasoranti’s invaluable contributions to mankind.
ODI also recognized Pa Fasoranti’s role as one of the major forces for the establishment of Ondo State and who since then gave himself for its development.
‘We will miss our father and leader; Akure will forever honour him among its pantheon of leaders; Ondo State will forever miss him; Yorubaland will remember him alongside leaders like Obafemi Awolowo Adekunle Ajasin and the likes and Nigeria will never ever forget a first class patriot for whom materialism was immaterial and one who worshiped humanity with his incredible existence’ the release concluded.
* Oodua youths mourn Fasoranti
Meanwhile the Oodua Youth Coalition (OYC) has described Fasoranti’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation Ondo State and Nigeria.
The coalition in a condolence statement signed by its General Secretary Olaoye M. Abolaji said the late elder statesman exemplified the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos particularly integrity honesty discipline selflessness and commitment to the common good.
It said Fasoranti lived a life defined by principle and conviction remaining faithful to his beliefs and values throughout his long and impactful lifetime.
According to the group his contributions to public life and commitment to responsible leadership justice and accountability remain worthy of emulation by younger generations.
The coalition added that the late centenarian’s life demonstrated that greatness was measured not merely by age or position but by the values a person upheld and the positive impact made on society.
It said his death had left a profound void among those who admired his courage wisdom and commitment to preserving the cultural and moral heritage of the Yoruba people.
The OYC urged Yoruba youths to draw lessons from his life by embracing the principles of integrity honour hard work respect and accountability in their personal lives and public engagements.
The coalition also extended its condolences to Fasoranti’s family Afenifere the people of Akure and the Ondo State Government.
The group however prayed that God would grant the bereaved family and others mourning the elder statesman the strength to endure the loss while his legacy of integrity and service continued to inspire generations.