PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES AFENIFERE LEADER REUBEN FASORANTI AT 100

PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES AFENIFERE LEADER REUBEN FASORANTI AT 100


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as the respected Yoruba leader marks his 100th birthday on May 11, 2026.

In a statement released by the State House on Sunday, President Tinubu described Fasoranti as a symbol of integrity, discipline, patriotism, and selfless service whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development remain significant.

The President praised the nonagenarian for his dedication to education, principled leadership, and advocacy for democracy and Yoruba unity over several decades.

“My joy knows no bounds as we witness Pa Reuben Fasoranti, our father, elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, prominent politician, and foremost Afenifere leader, attain the milestone age of 100,” Tinubu stated.

According to the President, Fasoranti’s life represents honesty, dedication to national service, and unwavering commitment to noble causes.

Tinubu highlighted Fasoranti’s educational achievements, noting that the elder statesman studied English and Geography at the University College Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan. He also earned a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom and later obtained a Master’s degree in Education Administration and School Management from Maguire University in Sydney, Australia.

The President further acknowledged Fasoranti’s contributions to the education sector through his work as a teacher and founder of several schools, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School, and St. Frances’ Academy in Akure.

Reflecting on Fasoranti’s political journey, Tinubu described him as one of the last surviving disciples of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a committed advocate of the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos.

Fasoranti was a member of the defunct Action Group during the First Republic and later joined the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic. Between 1979 and 1983, he served as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State under the administration of the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin.

The President commended Fasoranti’s financial prudence and integrity while serving in government, noting that his stewardship helped stabilise the state’s finances during the period.

Tinubu also praised the elder statesman’s role during the military era, when he became one of the prominent voices advocating for democracy and resisting military dictatorship.

“Pa Fasoranti’s voice became one of the rallying voices against military dictatorship, demanding the return of democracy to the land,” the statement read.

The President noted that Fasoranti later emerged as the recognised leader of Afenifere following internal divisions within the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation after the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya.

Tinubu recalled that Fasoranti survived an assassination attempt allegedly linked to the late General Sani Abacha’s regime and remained steadfast in his democratic convictions despite the challenges he faced.

The President also referenced personal tragedies endured by the elder statesman, including the death of his wife in 1991 and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by kidnappers in 2019.

Despite the hardships, Tinubu said Fasoranti has continued to demonstrate resilience and strength.

The President expressed appreciation for the elder statesman’s support and prayers throughout his political journey, especially during the 2023 presidential campaign.

“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 stated.

The President prayed for continued good health and long life for the Afenifere leader, describing him as a national asset whose legacy would remain enduring.

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