The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Arewa Think Tank have mourned the death of the National Leader of Afenifere Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.
Both organisations described his passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria and an end to an extraordinary chapter in the nation’s political history.
The two northern groups in separate condolence messages issued in Kaduna described the late Yoruba elder statesman as a distinguished patriot principled nationalist and courageous advocate of democratic governance justice national unity and progressive politics.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba the ACF said Fasoranti’s death has robbed Nigeria of one of its most respected elder statesmen whose lifelong commitment to good governance and the welfare of the people remained exemplary.
The forum described the late Afenifere leader as a quintessential nationalist politician and community leader who devoted almost his entire life to the pursuit of progressive ideals and the advancement of Nigeria’s democratic development.
According to ACF Fasoranti’s century-long life afforded him the opportunity to witness Nigeria’s political evolution including the independence struggle the First Republic the civil war successive military administrations and the country’s continuing democratic experiment.
The forum stated: ‘Living to mark 100 years Pa Fasoranti’s life of a century on earth enabled him to witness the best that Nigeria has had to offer even as he had lived to regret the nation’s missed opportunities for even greater achievements.’
ACF noted that despite the country’s political and developmental challenges Fasoranti remained steadfast in his advocacy for a better Nigeria describing him as an indefatigable fighter whose commitment to the welfare of his people and the nation never diminished.
It added that choosing him as the National Leader of Afenifere underscored his standing as a respected voice of reason and one of Nigeria’s principled and far-sighted leaders stressing that his death should be regarded as an opportunity to celebrate a life of remarkable service.
Similarly the Convener of Arewa Think Tank Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu described Fasoranti’s passing as a painful loss not only to the Yoruba nation and Afenifere but also to Nigerians across ethnic political and regional divides.
Yakubu recalled a memorable visit to the late elder statesman during which he and members of his delegation received a warm reception and benefited from his wealth of experience wisdom and knowledge.
‘I remember vividly our visit to him and the warm reception he gave us and words of wisdom and knowledge we got from him when he was alive’ Yakubu recalled adding that the encounter left an enduring impression on members of the delegation.
He described Fasoranti as a symbol of integrity selflessness courage and discipline whose contributions to democratic governance national cohesion and progressive politics would remain indelible in Nigeria’s political history.
‘Pa Reuben Fasoranti was more than a respected Yoruba leader; he was a Nigerian patriot whose life and convictions reflected the enduring values of integrity justice democratic principles and service to humanity. His death is a painful loss not only to the Yoruba nation and the Afenifere family but also to Nigeria as a whole’ Yakubu said.
The Arewa Think Tank Convener maintained that Fasoranti’s unwavering commitment to justice true federalism responsible leadership and national unity offered valuable lessons to contemporary political leaders particularly at a time when Nigeria required experienced voices to guide its democratic development.
‘He belonged to a generation that understood that nation-building requires sacrifice tolerance courage and a willingness to put the collective interest above personal considerations. His life reminds us that leadership is not measured by the positions we occupy but by the values we uphold and the positive impact we leave on society’ he stated.
Yakubu urged political leaders and public officeholders to honour Fasoranti’s memory by strengthening democratic institutions promoting national unity encouraging constructive dialogue and ensuring that public leadership remained anchored in integrity justice and accountability.
‘The most fitting tribute we can pay to Pa Reuben Fasoranti is to uphold the ideals he represented. His passing should remind us that Nigeria’s diversity is not a weakness but a strength that must be nurtured through mutual respect justice understanding and a shared commitment to the progress of our country’ he added.
Both ACF and Arewa Think Tank extended their condolences to the Fasoranti family the leadership and members of Afenifere the people of Ondo State the Yoruba nation and Nigerians generally praying for the peaceful repose of the departed elder statesman and strength for those mourning him. They maintained that although Fasoranti had departed at 100 his legacy of patriotism principled leadership and selfless service would continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.