…Says Yorubaland Has Lost a Patriarch, Moral Compass and Defender of Progressive Ideals
The Ogun State Chapter of Afenifere has received with profound grief and a deep sense of historical loss the passing of our revered National Leader, patriarch and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who departed at the remarkable age of 100.
His passing is not merely the departure of an individual; it represents the closing of an extraordinary chapter in the political and socio-cultural history of Yorubaland and Nigeria.
For decades, Pa Fasoranti stood firmly among the custodians of the progressive political tradition of the Yoruba people — a tradition anchored on good governance, social justice, federalism, education, equity, democratic accountability and the unwavering defence of the dignity and legitimate aspirations of our people.
Reacting to the painful development, the Chairman of Afenifere, Ogun State Chapter, Dr Comrade Niyi-Osoba, Ph.D, JP, described Pa Fasoranti’s death as an immeasurable loss to Afenifere, Yorubaland and the Nigerian federation.
“Afenifere has lost a father, Yorubaland has lost a patriarch, and Nigeria has lost one of the remaining moral voices of a generation that understood politics principally as an instrument of service rather than personal enrichment.”
Dr Osoba stated that Pa Fasoranti’s longevity was matched by the depth of his wisdom, courage, discipline and devotion to the ideals for which generations of Yoruba progressives laboured and sacrificed.
“Baba Fasoranti belonged to a generation whose politics was driven by conviction, ideology and service. Through difficult periods in our national history, he remained committed to the unity, dignity and advancement of the Yoruba people while consistently advocating a just, peaceful, democratic and properly structured Nigerian federation.”
According to the Ogun Afenifere Chairman, Pa Fasoranti’s death places an even greater responsibility on the present generation of Yoruba political and socio-cultural leaders to preserve the values for which the organisation’s founding fathers and departed leaders stood.
“The greatest tribute we can pay Baba is not simply to mourn him. We must defend the principles he represented. Afenifere must remain a courageous voice for justice, equity, true federalism, responsible governance and the political and economic advancement of Yorubaland. We owe that duty to Baba Fasoranti, to those who came before him and, more importantly, to generations yet unborn.”
The Ogun State Chapter recalls with pride Pa Fasoranti’s uncommon commitment to the preservation of Afenifere as an enduring institution of Yoruba political consciousness. Even at an advanced age, Baba remained a rallying point for consultation, reconciliation and guidance within the organisation and across Yorubaland.
His century on earth was therefore not measured merely in years, but in service, sacrifice, mentorship and his contributions to the continuing struggle for a more equitable Nigerian federation.
As Afenifere mourns this monumental loss, we are reminded that personalities may depart, but enduring ideas do not die.
The ideals of good governance, justice, equity, federalism, democratic accountability and the protection of Yoruba interests for which Pa Fasoranti devoted a substantial part of his life must continue to guide our engagements with governments and political actors at all levels.
The Ogun State Chapter of Afenifere extends its heartfelt condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people and Government of Ondo State, the entire Afenifere family, Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora, and Nigerians whose lives were touched by Baba’s wisdom and statesmanship.
We pray that Almighty God grants the Fasoranti family, his associates and the entire Yoruba nation the fortitude to bear this monumental loss.
Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti came, served and left indelible footprints upon the sands of history.
A century of life. A lifetime of service. A legacy that will transcend generations.
Adieu, Baba Fasoranti.
May your noble soul rest in perfect peace.
Signed:
Alhaji (Comrade) Akeem Temitope Akilo
Publicity Secretary,
Afenifere, Ogun State Chapter
