By Banji Ayoola
Afenifere chieftain, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, has rallied his compatriots in the pan-Yoruba sociocultural organisation to uphold, and improve on the legacy left behind by its leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died in Tuesday.
He said unity within the group would ensure that Afenifere becomes stronger as it stands on its duty in the Nigerian federation.
Fasoranti, aged 100, died at about 4pm on Tuesday at his Akure, Ondo State capital’s residence.
Arogbofa, an author, former Afenifere Secretary General, and Ondo State chairman, who worked with the deceased for over 10 years in Afenifere, said Fasoranti lived and did well, and left a legacy which the youths should try and work harder to preserve and improve upon.
He told The Radiance that he and his compatriots would work with one mind, honesty and candour to improve on the situation.
Noting that Fasoranti did his best for Afenifere, he urged his compatriots to “pick up from where he left”, stressing, “Afenifere should not die.”
Arogbofa referred to the exemplary and leadership roles the group has been playing in the Nigerian federation.
He recalled that Afenifere gave birth to Ohanaeze Ndigbo 25 years after its existence when some leaders from the East came together after the Civil War “that they should imitate Afenifere.”
Also, he said that 50 years after, former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon and a former police Inspector General came up with Arewa, meaning the North.
His words, “The North followed Ohanaeze in imitating Afenifere. We have to come together. Afenifere has done a lot and has tried to make sure it didn’t die.
“We have to work hard, be sincere and principled. Baba Fasoranti was principled. Afenifere is principled. Afenifere cannot be bought by office, money or anything.
“Baba Fasoranti has done his best. He was very accommodating, approachable, a very good Christian, an educationist par excellence. He loved this country, believed in the unity of this country, and in restructuring this country.
“We have to be committed to ensure that Afenifere becomes better.”
