President Bola Tinubu has described Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti as a rare Nigerian elder statesman worthy of emulation.
He conveyed his eulogy in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday saying:
“Today, I rejoice with the family, political associates, and friends of our dear father, leader and patriarch, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, as we celebrate his remarkable journey of 99 years on earth.
“Baba has enjoyed extraordinary grace from God in attaining this age. Even though he appears frail due to old age, his mind remains active and sharp.
“He is undoubtedly one of the rare Nigerians who gave all to public service and served unblemished at every opportunity.
“Baba’s career as a teacher, principal, and educationist reflects his commitment to public service and community development.
“After retirement, he established Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School. Both institutions still stand today as monuments to his outstanding legacy as a school administrator.”
He said, “As a committed political activist of his era, he joined Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group and later became one of the prime movers of the Unity Party of Nigeria led by Chief Awolowo. Throughout the sage’s life, Baba Fasoranti remained one of his trusted allies.
“He served with honour as Commissioner for Finance in the government of our venerable leader, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, between 1979 and 1983 in Ondo State.
“Baba Fasoranti’s distinguished tenure ensured sound fiscal management of the state’s finances and enabled the remarkable achievements recorded by the Ajasin administration, including the faithful implementation of the UPN’s cardinal programmes— free education, free healthcare, rural development, and sustainable employment.
“In Nigeria’s darkest hours under the military dictatorship of the late General Sani Abacha, Baba Fasoranti and his comrades in Afenifere and NADECO stood firm and unbowed. Their resilience inspired and strengthened us, the younger generation”.
His words, “Baba Fasoranti has been dependable, graceful, and a model of exemplary leadership in my decades of knowing him and in our close personal interactions.
“When I decided to run for the presidency of Nigeria three years ago, I visited Baba Fasoranti at his residence in Akure. I remain deeply grateful for his blessings, unwavering support, and his belief in my vision for our country.
“I am happy he is alive to see the work we are doing to revamp our economy and set Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and development.
“As we reflect on Baba Fasoranti’s life of service at age 99 and his commitment to the public good, may we find the courage to do the right things to improve the lives of our people and the nation. May his life inspire us to pursue the public good with courage and conviction.
“Happy birthday to our dear leader and father. May our communities never lack wise elders such as Baba Fasoranti.”
Also extolling Fasoranti’s virtues were the Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, COndo State Council of Obas chairman, and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, and Prof. Williams Olu-Aderounmu.
Aiyedatiwa said, “Pa Fasoranti is definitely a brand which stands for patriotism, courage, resilience, contentment and selflessness.
He said, “We must recognise the significance of our traditions, customs and values in shaping our identity and informing our actions. As a people, we cannot afford to deviate from this noble trajectory.”
According to him, “As a government in Ondo State, we are committed to promoting our cultural heritage, supporting initiatives that preserve and promote Yoruba culture, arts and traditions.
“We are empowering the youth by providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow and contribute to our cultural revival.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Ondo State, I say happy 99th birthday to Pa Fasoranti! May your life be celebrated the more and your legacy continue to inspire us all.”
Also, Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, described Fasoranti as a leader whose imprints in Nigeria are indelible.
He described Fasoranti as a leader truly worthy of celebration, praising his contributions to the growth and development of Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.
In his lecture on “A strong and united Yoruba race as panacea for reviving vanishing Yoruba values and culture”, Former Ogun State Governor and Senator Gbenga Daniel noted that the Yoruba people place a high premium on good conducts, behaviours or attitudes.
He said that Nigeria’s current social and cultural situation reveals a deep ethical crisis.saying “despite being endowed with abundant natural resources, rich cultures, and a vibrant population, the country, over several decades, have continued to grapple with progressive moral decay, corruption, and systemic dysfunction.”
He said the concept of Omoluabi represents a comprehensive ethical framework that emphasises integrity, responsibility, and communal harmony among the Yorubas, noting that the revival of the Omoluabi ethos offers a culturally grounded and philosophically robust avenue for fostering national rebirth in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Ondo State Branch, Mr Yinka Akinola, described Chief Fasoranti as an alumnus truly worth celebrating, a man whose life embodies academic excellence, moral strength, and selfless service to society.
Chief host of the event, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, reflected on a time when external influences threatened to erode Yoruba values, saying it was leaders like Fasoranti who stood firm in defence of the culture and identity now being proudly upheld.
He called on alumni of higher institutions to brainstorm so as to proffer solution to the challenges confronting the Yoruba race.
Also, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, represented by the institution’s Registrar, Mr Ganiyu Saliu, extended the university’s deep appreciation to the nonagenarian, stressing that every society thrives on the strength of individuals like Fasoranti who embody its ideals and preserve its legacy.
Prof Olu-Aderounmu, who chaired the event, praised Fasoranti for his unwavering commitment to principled leadership and community development.
He said the crlebrant is deserving of a Yoruba global award for his far-reaching contributions to the cultural and political advancement of the Yoruba people.
He called on all to unite behind him saying “he has remained a committed leader of the Yoruba race worldwide.”
Also speaking, the Royal father of the Day, Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, noted Chief Fasoranti’s long-standing relationship with the people of Owo, particularly through his close working ties with the late former Governor of Ondo State, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, in whose cabinet he served as Commissioner for Finance.
He commended him for helping to preserve the identity of the Yoruba race and urged others to follow in his footsteps and make him proud.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof Olugbenga Ige, described Fasoranti as a nation builder, a teacher of teachers, and a father figure whose influence continues to shape generations of leaders across the Southwest and beyond.
