- President recalls elder statesman’s support for his 2022 presidential ambition, says Nigeria will miss his wisdom and counsel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of elder statesman and prominent Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, describing him as an icon of integrity, a champion of democracy and one of the enduring figures of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive political tradition.
Fasoranti died at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of public service, political principle and commitment to social justice, federalism and national development.
In a condolence message issued by the State House, Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the death, extending the Federal Government’s condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government, the South-West and the entire Afenifere family.
The President described the late elder statesman as a patriarch whose life exemplified integrity, discipline, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.
He noted that Fasoranti’s contributions to the country spanned education, public administration and political leadership, adding that his influence extended beyond his immediate community and the South-West.
From his years as an educationist and school principal to his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State and later leadership of Afenifere, Tinubu said the deceased remained committed to his convictions about Nigeria’s political and economic future.
According to the President, Fasoranti consistently advocated true federalism and social justice, while working towards a country capable of delivering progress and prosperity for all its citizens.
“Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today,” Tinubu said.
He described the late Afenifere leader as a man distinguished by his disciplined lifestyle, strong principles and dedication to causes he considered noble.
Tinubu said Nigeria would sorely miss Fasoranti’s wisdom, moral authority and fatherly counsel, particularly at a time when the country needed experienced voices committed to national progress.
The President recalled celebrating Fasoranti’s 100th birthday on May 11, 2026, describing the centenary as an opportunity to honour not merely his longevity but also a lifetime of service and an enduring legacy of honour.
He said the elder statesman had lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints in Nigeria’s political and public life.
Tinubu also recalled a personal encounter with Fasoranti in 2022, when he visited the elder statesman at his residence in Akure to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency.
According to the President, Fasoranti offered him prayers and encouragement during the visit and expressed confidence that he would become Nigeria’s President within his lifetime.
“I also recall his prayers and counsel when I came to his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of my decision to contest the presidency. Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer,” Tinubu said.
The President added that he had hoped the centenarian would live to witness his second term and the economic growth and prosperity he envisaged for the country.
However, he said Nigerians should be grateful for Fasoranti’s long life, distinguished service and the legacy he bequeathed to future generations.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and asked God to comfort his family and all those mourning his passing.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. May God comfort all who mourn him and grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the President said.
Fasoranti’s death marks the passing of a prominent figure in the Awolowo progressive tradition and a respected voice in debates on federalism, democratic governance and the future of Nigeria.
His decades of involvement in education, public administration and political advocacy established him as an influential figure in the South-West, while his leadership of Afenifere placed him at the centre of discussions on Yoruba interests and Nigeria’s constitutional development.
As tributes continue to emerge, the late elder statesman is being remembered for a century of life marked by public service, political engagement and steadfast commitment to his ideals.
