Chief Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have paid glowing tributes to the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, following his death at the age of 100.
In separate messages released on Tuesday, the two political leaders described the elder statesman as a man of principle whose lifetime of service left a lasting impact on Nigeria.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by the State House, said he received the news of Fasoranti’s death with deep sadness, describing him as “our father, patriarch, elder statesman, and foremost Afenifere leader.”
“I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, our father, patriarch, elder statesman, and foremost Afenifere leader, who died at the glorious age of 100,” the President said.
Tinubu extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State, the Afenifere family and Nigerians, saying the country had lost one of its most respected leaders.
He described the late nationalist as “an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family.”
According to the President, Fasoranti’s 100-year life reflected integrity, discipline, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
“From his days as an educationist and principal, to his stewardship as Commissioner for Finance in the Ondo State, and later as the leader of Afenifere, Baba never wavered in his belief in true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all,” Tinubu said.
He added that the late Afenifere leader made enormous sacrifices for democracy and national development.
“Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today,” he said.
Tinubu said Nigeria would greatly miss Fasoranti’s wisdom and moral leadership.
“Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most,” he stated.
The President also recalled visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 before the presidential election.
“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.
He added that he had hoped the elder statesman would also witness his second term and the full benefits of his administration’s economic reforms.
“I had hoped Papa would also be around with us for my second term to witness the full dawn of economic growth and prosperity in the land.”
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Fasoranti’s soul and asked God to comfort everyone mourning the elder statesman.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed sorrow over the death of the Afenifere leader.
In a post on his official X account, Atiku described Fasoranti as a towering national figure whose legacy would endure.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pa Reuben Fasoranti at 100. His stature was earned through a lifetime of service, principle and sacrifice, and his legacy towers above any title or office,” Atiku wrote.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved family, Afenifere and the people of Ondo State, praying for the peaceful repose of the late elder statesman.
“My condolences to his family, Afenifere and the people of Ondo State. May he rest in peace.”
Pa Fasoranti was one of Nigeria’s most respected Yoruba leaders and a prominent member of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s political family. He served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State, later became leader of Afenifere and remained a strong advocate of true federalism, democracy and good governance throughout his lifetime. His death has drawn tributes from political leaders across party lines, reflecting his enduring influence on Nigeria’s political and democratic history.
