Tinubu, govs, Akande hail Fasoranti at 100

Nigeria’s political and socio-cultural elite on Sunday paid glowing tributes to elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, as he marked his 100th birthday.

Leading the pack, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the elder statesman, describing him as a towering figure of integrity, discipline and national service.

In a signed statement issued on Saturday, Tinubu said his “joy knows no bounds” as Fasoranti attains the centenary milestone, adding that the Yoruba leader deserves “all the encomiums that will come his way” for his contributions to Nigeria.

“My joy knows no bounds as we witness Pa Reuben Fasoranti… attain the milestone age of 100 on May 11,” the President said.

He described Fasoranti as “a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership,” praising what he called the elder statesman’s “uncommon life of service” and commitment to principles.

Tinubu highlighted Fasoranti’s educational background, noting his studies at the University College, Ibadan (now University of Ibadan), the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, and Maguire University in Sydney, Australia.

He also recalled his contributions to education through teaching and school establishment, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School, and St. Frances’ Academy, which he founded in honour of his late wife.

On politics, Tinubu said Fasoranti “distinguished himself in all respects” as a disciple of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and one of the last surviving Awoists, adding that he served in the Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.

The President noted that Fasoranti served as commissioner for finance in old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983, where “his integrity and financial prudence helped manage the state’s finances.”

He also praised Fasoranti’s role in pro-democracy struggles, saying he became “one of the rallying voices against military dictatorship, demanding the return of democracy to the land” during the military era.

Tinubu further described him as a key figure in Afenifere, saying he emerged as “the authentic leader” of the socio-political group after internal divisions following the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya.

The President also referenced past attacks on Fasoranti, noting that he survived an assassination attempt during the Abacha military regime and “emerged stronger and more resilient.”

Tinubu acknowledged personal losses suffered by the elder statesman, including the death of his wife in 1991 and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, in 2019, saying, despite these, “Pa Fasoranti weathered the storms and is soldiering on.”

He also recalled Fasoranti’s support during his presidential campaign, saying the elder statesman prayed for his victory and “God answered his prayer” through his eventual emergence as President.

Tinubu thanked him for his continued support for the Renewed Hope administration and prayed for his long life, while also expressing gratitude for his service to the nation.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, described Fasoranti as a committed leader and one of the surviving disciples of Awolowo.

The governor, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, lauded Fasoranti’s contributions to the development of Yorubaland and Nigeria.

He described the Afenifere leader as a respected and passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remained indelible.

Sanwo-Olu said Fasoranti had impacted many lives positively, through courageous and uncompromising leadership, noting that his commitment to public service and community development was commendable.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State, as well as my brother governors in the Southwest, I congratulate the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on his centenary birthday celebration.

“Papa Fasoranti has made a lot of positive impact in Yorubaland and has done great exploits as the leader of Afenifere by steering the ship of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation in the right direction.

“He has devoted and committed himself to the Nigeria project since his active years.

“We cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance, which he has championed for many decades,” he said.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said, “Chief Fasoranti deserves to be celebrated for his enduring integrity, forthrightness and selfless service to Nigeria and the Yoruba nation.”

The governor said that God had been so kind to Pa Fasoranti to have witnessed his centenary birthday in good health, fulfilment, and peace of mind.

He described the elder statesman as “A Nigerian patriot, nationalist, a moral compass and an icon of democracy who stood in defence of the common man at a critical time in the nation’s history.”

According to him, Pa Fasoranti contributed immensely to the development of the nation’s manpower as a teacher, school principal and education policymaker in the prime of his life before venturing into politics.

The Ekiti governor noted that “Pa Fasoranti remains a committed disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and is consistent with the ideals and core values of Afenifere as handed down by his mentor.”

He noted that the centenarian had, over the years, been an advocate for the unity of Nigeria and indivisibility of the country.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate our dearly beloved leader, Baba Fasoranti, on this awesome milestone – the celebration of his 100th birthday.

“Our prayer is that he will continue to enjoy God’s immeasurable grace and strength as he continues to serve humanity.”

The South-West caucus of the National Assembly on Sunday celebrated Pa Fasoranti, describing him as a steadfast defender of Yoruba interests and a leading voice in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

The caucus, comprising federal lawmakers from the six South-West states, also said the centenarian’s long-standing vision for “a truly recalibrated federal governance” was gradually becoming a reality through ongoing constitutional and legislative reforms.

Chairman of the caucus and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, conveyed the lawmakers’ tribute in a statement issued on Sunday by his media office.

Bamidele described Fasoranti as one of the last surviving disciples of late nationalist and former Premier of the old Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo, praising his role in the fight against military dictatorship and his contribution to the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

He said, “Baba Fasoranti perfectly embodies the Yoruba values of Omoluabi – honour, integrity, leadership and selflessness.