President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 100th birthday, describing him as a symbol of integrity, honesty, dedicated service and true leadership.
In a personally signed statement on Sunday to commemorate the milestone, President Tinubu celebrated the nonagenarian for what he called “an uncommon life of service” and immense contributions to Nigeria’s political, educational and democratic development.
The President said his “joy knows no bounds” witnessing the elder statesman attain the age of 100, noting that Fasoranti deserved all the accolades for his disciplined lifestyle, commitment to principles and devotion to noble causes.
Tinubu described the foremost Afenifere leader as “our father, elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, prominent politician and foremost Afenifere leader.”
According to the President, Fasoranti’s life remains “a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership.”
The President highlighted Fasoranti’s educational background, recalling that he obtained a degree in English/Geography from the then University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan, a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in Education Administration and School Management from Maguire University, Sydney, Australia.
Tinubu also praised the elder statesman’s contributions to education through his work as a teacher and founder of several schools in Ondo State, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School in Akure, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy, Igoba, Akure.
The President, however, said Fasoranti made an even greater impact through politics and activism.
He described the Afenifere leader as one of the last surviving disciples of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, noting that he served in the defunct Action Group during the First Republic and later in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
Tinubu recalled that Fasoranti served as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983 under the administration of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin.
“It is on record that his integrity and financial prudence helped manage the state’s finances,” the President stated.
The President also recounted Fasoranti’s role in the struggle against military dictatorship, describing him as one of the leading voices that demanded the return of democracy to Nigeria during military rule.
He noted that Fasoranti later emerged as the recognised leader of Afenifere following the factionalisation of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group after the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya.
“To this date, Baba remains the only recognised leader of Afenifere,” Tinubu said.
The President further reflected on the challenges Fasoranti had faced in life, including an assassination attempt during the late General Sani Abacha regime, the death of his wife in 1991 and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by kidnappers in July 2019.
Despite the tragedies, Tinubu said the elder statesman remained resilient and steadfast.
The President also expressed gratitude to Fasoranti for supporting his presidential ambition and offering prayers during his journey to the presidency.
“At the start of my campaign for the presidency, I visited Pa Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State capital. Baba prayed for my electoral victory, saying he would live to witness my ascension to the presidency,” Tinubu said.
“God answered his prayer through my victory and eventual ascendancy to the top office.”
Tinubu thanked the elder statesman for his continued support for the Renewed Hope Administration and prayed for God to grant him many more years in good health.
