President Bola Tinubu and governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State have paid tribute to Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti, who died on Tuesday at the age of 100.
In separate condolence messages, the leaders described the death of the Yoruba elder statesman as a significant loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria, highlighting his contributions to democracy, education, public service and national development.
Tinubu: Fasoranti Fought for Democracy
Tinubu described Fasoranti as a father figure, elder statesman and one of the leading figures in the progressive political tradition associated with Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In a personal statement, the president said Fasoranti’s life exemplified integrity, discipline, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and Nigeria’s unity and progress.
“Pa Fasoranti distinguished himself in every respect: in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes,” Tinubu said.
He added that the country would miss the elder statesman’s wisdom, moral authority and fatherly counsel, particularly at a time when his guidance was needed.
Tinubu recalled celebrating Fasoranti’s 100th birthday on May 11, 2026, describing the occasion as a celebration of a life marked by honour and service.
The president also remembered visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency.
According to Tinubu, Fasoranti prayed for his success and expressed confidence that he would become president during his lifetime.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure, the Ondo State Government, residents of the South-West and members of Afenifere.
Sanwo-Olu: ‘The End of an Era’
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Fasoranti’s death as “the end of an era”, citing his contributions to education, leadership and public service.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor said the late Afenifere leader had positively influenced many lives through his courageous and uncompromising leadership.
Sanwo-Olu also praised Fasoranti’s commitment to truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance.
“Baba Fasoranti was a respected and passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remain indelible,” he said.
The governor prayed for the repose of Fasoranti’s soul and offered condolences to his family, Afenifere members and the Yoruba people.
Makinde: ‘The Dimming of a Light’
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described Fasoranti as a towering moral voice whose life was marked by wisdom, courage and a commitment to public duty.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, Makinde said the centenarian had helped shape political discourse and guided generations through decades of political and national change.
“His passing is not just the departure of an elder statesman; it is the dimming of a light that guided our people through decades of political turbulence, cultural evolution, and national transformation,” the governor said.
Makinde added that Fasoranti devoted much of his life to shaping minds, strengthening institutions and promoting the values of the Yoruba people.
He said the late Afenifere leader’s humility, commitment to unity and dedication to community, culture and country would continue to inspire future generations.
The governor also extended his condolences to Fasoranti’s family, the Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government and the Yoruba people.
Abiodun: ‘Monumental Loss’ to Yorubaland
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, described Fasoranti’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
Abiodun commiserated with Afenifere, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, other Yoruba leaders, and the family and associates of the deceased.
He said Fasoranti lived a remarkable life defined by service, patriotism and dedication to the advancement of the Yoruba people and Nigeria.
The governor also highlighted the elder statesman’s role in the country’s democratic struggle, particularly during the years of military rule.
According to Abiodun, Fasoranti remained committed to justice, equity, good governance and restructuring, with his interventions reflecting a desire for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
He described the deceased as one of the last surviving links to a generation of nationalist-minded leaders who challenged authoritarian rule and championed democratic freedoms.
Abiodun said Fasoranti’s legacy would endure through the values he upheld, the causes he championed and the Nigerians inspired by his commitment to democracy and national development.
The tributes from the president and the three governors highlight Fasoranti’s longstanding influence on Yoruba political affairs and Nigeria’s democratic development.
