Taiwo Fasoranti, head of the Fasoranti family and secretary to the Ondo state government, has recounted the final moments of Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, who died on Tuesday aged 100.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, announced Fasoranti’s
death in a statement, describing him as a respected elder statesman committed
to the development of Ondo, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Speaking during the governor’s condolence visit to the
family on Tuesday, Taiwo said his father died peacefully in his room on Tuesday
evening.
“Baba passed peacefully this evening around 4 p.m., in his
room, in his bed,” Taiwo said.
“Baba was 100 years old. He turned 100 in May, and we were
all looking forward to his 101st birthday, but God knows best.”
He said the family is grateful to God for the impactful life
his father lived and the influence he had on Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba
people.
“We are happy, and we thank God for his life and for the
impactful life he lived,” he added.
“I don’t count it as mourning, but I count it as a time to
celebrate his longevity and his influence and impact in the lives of Nigerians,
especially the Yoruba people.”
TINUBU, OBASANJO, ATIKU PAY TRIBUTE
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement personally signed by
him on Tuesday, said he received the news of Fasoranti’s death with “profound
sadness”.
The president described the late Afenifere leader as “an
icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi
Awolowo’s progressive family”.
He recalled Fasoranti’s centenary celebration on May 11,
noting that it marked not just his longevity but also a legacy of honour.
Tinubu also recalled visiting Fasoranti at his residence in
Akure 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,” he said.
Tinubu said he had hoped Fasoranti would live to witness his
second term in office and the anticipated economic growth and prosperity.
Similarly, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described
Fasoranti as one of the last surviving titans of a generation that laid the
foundation for modern Nigeria through selfless service, sacrifice and
unwavering integrity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abeokuta by Kehinde
Akinyemi, his special assistant on media, Obasanjo said Fasoranti’s life
exemplified purposeful leadership, integrity and an unwavering commitment to
the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
“When the mantle of leading Afenifere fell upon him during a
period of fragmentation and national uncertainty, Baba did not falter,” he
said.
“He stepped up as a unifying anchor. He led with a calm and
resolute authority that derived its strength not from loud proclamations, but
from the immense moral weight of his convictions.
“On a personal note, I will always remember Baba’s warmth
and his open-door policy. Even when we found ourselves on different sides of
political debates, our mutual respect never waned.”
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute to
the late Afenifere leader, saying his legacy towers above any title or office.
“His stature was earned through a lifetime of service,
principle and sacrifice, and his legacy towers above any title or office,”
Atiku said.
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