…Describes late elder statesman as moral compass, defender of progressive ideals
The Ogun State Chapter of Afenifere has mourned the death of its National Leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, describing his passing at the age of 100 as a monumental loss to Yorubaland, Afenifere and Nigeria.
The organisation said the late elder statesman devoted his life to the promotion of good governance, social justice, true federalism, education and democratic accountability, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
In a condolence statement, by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Alhaji Akeem Temitope Akilo, the Chairman of Afenifere in Ogun State, Dr Niyi-Osoba, described Pa Fasoranti’s death as the departure of a respected patriarch whose wisdom, courage and commitment to progressive ideals helped sustain the Yoruba socio-political movement over several decades.
“Afenifere has lost a father, Yorubaland has lost a patriarch, and Nigeria has lost one of the remaining moral voices of a generation that understood politics principally as an instrument of service rather than personal enrichment,” Osoba said.
He noted that the late Afenifere leader belonged to a generation of political leaders whose engagements were guided by conviction, ideology and public service rather than personal interests.
According to him, Pa Fasoranti remained steadfast in his advocacy for the unity, dignity and advancement of the Yoruba people while championing the quest for a just, peaceful and properly structured Nigerian federation.
Osoba said the late statesman’s death had placed a greater responsibility on the present generation of Yoruba political and socio-cultural leaders to preserve the principles for which Afenifere’s founding fathers and past leaders stood.
“The greatest tribute we can pay Baba is not simply to mourn him. We must defend the principles he represented. Afenifere must remain a courageous voice for justice, equity, true federalism, responsible governance and the political and economic advancement of Yorubaland,” he said.
The Ogun Afenifere chairman added that the organisation owed it to the late leader and generations yet unborn to sustain the struggle for a more equitable society and a Nigerian federation that guarantees fairness, justice and equal opportunities for all.
The statement recalled Pa Fasoranti’s commitment to preserving Afenifere as an enduring institution of Yoruba political consciousness, noting that even at an advanced age, he remained a rallying point for consultation, reconciliation and guidance within the organisation and across Yorubaland.
It added that his century-long life was defined not merely by longevity but also by service, sacrifice, mentorship and contributions to the quest for a more equitable Nigerian federation.
Osoba stressed that although the late leader had departed, the ideals he represented must continue to guide Afenifere’s engagements with governments and political actors at all levels.
The Ogun State chapter extended its condolences to the Fasoranti family, the government and people of Ondo State, members of Afenifere, Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora, as well as Nigerians who benefited from his wisdom and statesmanship.
The organisation prayed to Almighty God to grant the bereaved family, associates and the entire Yoruba nation the strength to bear the loss.
“Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti came, served and left indelible footprints upon the sands of history. A century of life, a lifetime of service and a legacy that will transcend generations,” the statement added.
