President Bola Tinubu, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State have mourned Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political group, who died on Tuesday.
The deceased’s son, Taiwo Fasoranti, said the elder statesman died peacefully in his sleep.
He was 100.
Tinubu, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed sadness over Mr Fasoranti’s death, hailing him as a patriarch and elder statesman.
“On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the good people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State and South West Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family,” Tinubu noted.
According to the president, the deceased made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy Nigerians enjoy today.
“Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most.
“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,” the president noted.
Aiyedatiwa also described Fasoranti as a respected leader committed to the development of Ondo, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“Pa Fasoranti was a patriarch, a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of our dear State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large,” Aiyedatiwa noted.
Abiodun, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, also mourned the Afenifere leader, noting he lived a remarkable life defined by service, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the Yoruba people and the Nigerian nation.
“The late elder statesman was one of the enduring voices in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, whose courage, convictions and sacrifices helped shape the country’s political development.
“Pa Fasoranti’s role in the struggle for democracy, particularly during the years of military rule, earned him a place among the foremost defenders of democratic governance and constitutional rule in Nigeria,” Abiodun said in a statement issued by his media aide, Kayode Akinmade.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also described Fasoranti as a respected, passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership, and public service remain indelible.
“He impacted many lives positively through courageous and uncompromising leadership. His commitment to public service and community development was commendable,” the governor stated.
Similarly, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde said the late elder statesman played a vital role in shaping political discourse and guiding generations.
Fasoranti’s death came a few months after Mr Tinubu, governors of Lagos, Ekiti, and Ondo, and other notable politicians and royal fathers in Yorubaland converged on Lagos to celebrate him on his 100th birthday in June.