- His Life Was A Lesson In Integrity, Discipline, Selflessness To Nigeria-Tinubu
- Atiku: His Legacy Towers Above Any Title Or Office
- Afenifere: He Left Behind Legacy Of Peerless Integrity, Service To Humanity
Nigeria has lost one of the last towering figures of the Awolowo political tradition, with President Bola Tinubu, Afenifere, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governors and opposition leaders mourning the death of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died on Tuesday at the age of 100.
The passing of the revered Afenifere leader in Akure, Ondo State, has triggered an outpouring of tributes celebrating a life that spanned colonial rule, Nigeria’s independence, the Civil War, decades of military dictatorship and the country’s return to democratic government.
From the Presidency to the Yoruba socio-political establishment, the dominant message has been that Nigeria has lost more than a centenarian: it has lost a witness to its history, a custodian of progressive politics and a veteran campaigner for democracy, social justice and true federalism.
Tinubu, who personally signed his condolence message, described Fasoranti as “an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family.”
The President’s tribute was deeply personal. He recalled visiting the elder statesman’s Akure residence in 2022 to inform him of his 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 Afenifere leader would live to witness his second term and the economic growth and prosperity he hopes to deliver.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu described Fasoranti’s century-long life as “a lesson in integrity, discipline, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.”
He added: “Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today.”
The President extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State, South-West Nigeria and the wider Afenifere family, praying for strength for all those mourning the loss.
Afenifere: ‘A Legacy Of Peerless Integrity’
For Afenifere, the loss is especially profound. The organisation, which Fasoranti led for nearly 18 years after assuming the position in November 2008, described his departure as the end of an extraordinary chapter in its history.
In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Chief Ademola Folarin, the pan-Yoruba organisation said its leader had departed after more than a century of service, leaving behind “a legacy of peerless integrity and a deep commitment and devotion to the common good.”
The organisation described Fasoranti, also known as Asiwaju Yoruba, as an exemplary leader whose life embodied patriotism, courage, philanthropy and service to humanity.
Afenifere recalled that the late statesman was among the frontline followers of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Action Group’s struggle for Nigeria’s independence and remained active in progressive politics after independence.
His political journey also took him into the struggle against military dictatorship and the campaign for the restoration of the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
Through these turbulent periods, Afenifere said, Fasoranti remained committed to the principle that public office must serve the interests of the people.
The organisation said details of his burial arrangements would be announced later.
Makinde: ‘The Dimming Of A Light’
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described Fasoranti’s death as a historic loss, portraying him as a moral voice whose influence extended beyond party politics and generations
“For many decades, Pa Fasoranti stood at the intersection of conscience and public duty, shaping the moral architecture of our politics and offering guidance that transcended generations,” Makinde said.
He added: “His passing is not just the departure of an elder statesman; it is the dimming of a light that guided our people through decades of political turbulence, cultural evolution, and national transformation.”
The governor said Fasoranti spent much of his century-long life shaping minds, strengthening institutions and reminding the Yoruba people of the values that define their collective identity.
Makinde further observed that the pain of the loss reverberated throughout Yorubaland because Fasoranti’s contributions transcended his immediate community.
“His wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba cause enriched every corner of our region,” he said.
Abiodun: ‘A Monumental Loss’
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Fasoranti’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
Abiodun said the late elder statesman was one of the enduring voices in the country’s democratic struggle, whose courage and sacrifices helped shape Nigeria’s political development.
He noted that Fasoranti remained steadfast in his advocacy for justice, equity, good governance and restructuring.
“The deceased remained steadfast in his advocacy for justice, equity, good governance and restructuring, and his principled interventions in national affairs reflected a deep commitment to building a united and prosperous Nigeria,” the governor said.
Abiodun also described him as one of the last surviving links to a generation of nationalist-minded leaders who confronted authoritarian rule and championed democratic freedoms.
“We mourn not merely the passing of a distinguished elder statesman, but the departure of a faithful custodian of a precious political heritage,” he said.
Atiku: ‘His Legacy Towers Above Any Office’
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar joined the growing list of mourners, paying tribute to a leader whose stature, he said, was earned through service and sacrifice rather than the offices he occupied.
In a condolence message posted on X, Atiku said he was deeply saddened by Fasoranti’s death.
“His stature was earned through a lifetime of service, principle and sacrifice, and his legacy towers above any title or office,” the former vice-president said.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved family, Afenifere and the people of Ondo State.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also paid tribute to the late Yoruba leader, joining political figures across party lines in mourning a man whose public life had become closely associated with the progressive political tradition.
Obasanjo: A Life Of Leadership And Sacrifice
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Fasoranti as one of the last remaining titans of a generation that helped lay the foundations of modern Nigeria.
Obasanjo said the elder statesman’s public service was anchored on character, sacrifice and integrity, while his leadership of Afenifere came at a period of fragmentation and national uncertainty.
“He stepped up as a unifying anchor,” Obasanjo said, adding that Fasoranti led with a calm and resolute authority derived from “the immense moral weight of his convictions.”
He recalled the late leader’s opposition to military dictatorship and his continued advocacy for true federalism, justice and equity despite threats to his life.
From Classroom To Government House
Born on May 11, 1926, Fasoranti lived through some of the most defining periods in Nigeria’s political evolution.
An educationist by training, he established schools in Akure, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Ondo State.
His commitment to education reflected a belief that developing people and expanding opportunities were essential to building a stronger society.
He later served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State from 1979 to 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin, another prominent figure in the Awolowo progressive tradition.
But his influence extended beyond education and public administration. As an active participant in the pro-democracy movement, he supported efforts to restore civilian rule during periods of military intervention and played a role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned for the restoration of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential mandate.
He became Afenifere’s leader in November 2008, succeeding a tradition of progressive leadership associated with Awolowo, Ajasin and Chief Abraham Adesanya.
His tenure placed him at the centre of debates over restructuring, federalism, governance and the political future of the Yoruba people.
In May 2026, he celebrated his 100th birthday, attracting tributes from political leaders and institutions across the country. His death came barely five months after that milestone.
‘A Rare Generational Figure’
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, who said he had known Fasoranti intimately for more than 60 years, described him as an exceptional figure.
Falae recalled a man who preferred dialogue to confrontation and was always willing to mediate disputes, whether in community affairs, church matters or politics.
He said: “I’ve known him intimately for more than 60 years, and in all that time, I’ve never heard him quarrel with anybody or shout at anyone, even in political meetings.”
Falae added that Fasoranti was always ready to listen to disputing parties and help them resolve their differences, describing him as “one in a thousand years.”
That recollection captures a central theme running through the tributes: the image of a leader whose influence rested not only on his political convictions but also on his personal restraint, accessibility and willingness to seek common ground.
As condolences continue to pour in, Fasoranti’s death leaves Afenifere and the wider progressive movement confronting the challenge of preserving a political inheritance forged through decades of struggle.
His century on earth encompassed independence, military rule, democratic restoration and the continuing national debate over how Nigeria should be governed.
Pa Reuben Fasoranti may be gone, but the causes he championed — education, democracy, social justice, true federalism and service to the common good — remain central to Nigeria’s unfinished national project.
