Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti who died at age of 100 years, adding that his departure marks the end of an extraordinary era.
Obasanjo in a condolence message said he received the demise of Fasoranti with a heavy heart, stating that he was one of the last remaining titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria
‘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’, the condolence message read.
‘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’, Obasanjo wrote.
The message stated that Fasoranti’s life was a masterclass in purposeful longevity, leadership without blemish, and an absolute dedication to the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.
‘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 added.
‘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 – virtues that have become painfully rare in our contemporary political landscape’.
‘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. 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’.
Obasanjo said in times of national crisis, the deceased stood firmly against military dictatorship, braved threats to his life, and remained an unyielding voice for true federalism, justice, and equity.
‘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. I remember with fondness visiting him in Akure, where he always offered wise counsel with standard dignity’.
‘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. 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’.
‘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’.
‘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. Goodnight, Baba. May your noble soul find eternal and well-deserved
