*Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100, describing his death as the end of an extraordinary era in Nigeria’s history.
Obasanjo, in a condolence message, said he received the news of Fasoranti’s death with a heavy heart, describing the deceased as one of the last surviving titans of a generation whose sacrifices, integrity and commitment to public service helped lay the foundation for modern Nigeria.
He praised the late Yoruba leader for his contributions to education, public administration and national development, noting that his lifelong commitment to the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria distinguished him as an elder statesman.
“It was with a heavy heart that I received the sad news of the transition of our revered patriarch, elder statesman, and the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who has returned to his Maker at the glorious age of 100,” Obasanjo said.
“Baba’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary era. He was one of the last remaining titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria, anchoring their public service on pure character, deep sacrifice, and unwavering integrity.”
The former president described Fasoranti’s life as an example of purposeful longevity, principled leadership and unwavering dedication to the advancement of the Yoruba people and the Nigerian nation.
He recalled that before venturing fully into politics, the deceased had established himself as an educationist, serving as a school principal and helping to shape the character and future of generations of Nigerians.
According to Obasanjo, Fasoranti understood the importance of education in nation-building and devoted his early years to moulding young minds, instilling discipline and promoting values that would serve society.
“As an educationist, Baba understood early on that building a nation required building its people. Long before he stepped into the turbulent waters of politics, he was in the classrooms, moulding minds, instilling discipline, and building characters as a Principal across various historic institutions,” he said.
Obasanjo also commended Fasoranti’s record in public administration, particularly his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) administration.
He described the period as a reference point for fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability, virtues he said were increasingly uncommon in contemporary political leadership.
“His tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the UPN administration remains a shining reference point for fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability,” the former president stated.
Reflecting on Fasoranti’s leadership of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Obasanjo said the elder statesman provided a unifying voice during a period marked by internal divisions and national uncertainty.
He said Fasoranti led with calmness, courage and conviction, drawing authority from his personal integrity rather than public declarations.
“When the mantle of leading Afenifere fell upon him during a period of fragmentation and national uncertainty, Baba did not falter. He stepped up as a unifying anchor,” Obasanjo said.
“He led with a calm, stoic, and resolute authority that derived its strength not from loud proclamations, but from the immense moral weight of his convictions.”
The former president further recalled Fasoranti’s opposition to military dictatorship and his advocacy for true federalism, justice and equity, saying the deceased remained steadfast in defending democratic principles despite threats to his life.
Obasanjo said Fasoranti’s commitment to these ideals demonstrated his courage and determination to promote a more just and equitable Nigeria.
Beyond their public engagements, the former president said he would remember Fasoranti for his warmth, hospitality and willingness to offer counsel, even when they disagreed on political issues.
“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,” he said.
Obasanjo recalled his visits to Fasoranti in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where the elder statesman, according to him, offered wise counsel with dignity and sincerity.
He also acknowledged the personal tragedies Fasoranti endured, particularly the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, saying the elder statesman refused to allow his grief to undermine his compassion for others or his commitment to Nigeria’s peace.
“Baba was no stranger to profound personal grief, particularly the tragic and painful loss of his loved ones, including his daughter, Funke Olakunrin. Yet, his response to these heavy afflictions was never bitterness,” Obasanjo said.
“Instead, he weathered these storms with a Spartan equanimity, refusing to allow personal tragedy to dim his love for humanity or derail his commitment to the peace of Nigeria.”
The former president said Nigerians could take solace in the fact that Fasoranti lived to celebrate a century, retaining his intellectual sharpness and remaining committed to his ideals until the end of his life.
“We console ourselves knowing that he lived to see a full century, retaining his sharp intellect to the very end. He has run a good race; he has finished his course, and he has left behind a good name,” he said.
Obasanjo extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the government and people of Ondo State, and members of Afenifere, urging them to take comfort in the late leader’s enduring legacy of service, integrity and devotion to the Nigerian nation.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our deep condolences to the Fasoranti family, the government and people of Ondo State, and the entire Afenifere family,” he said.
“Goodnight, Baba. May your noble soul find eternal and well-deserved rest.”