President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti as he marks his 100th birthday on May 11, describing him as a symbol of integrity, service and principled leadership.
In a statement issued on Sunday, President Tinubu said his “joy knows no bounds” witnessing Fasoranti attain the milestone age, praising his contributions to education, politics, democracy and national development.
“Baba Fasoranti deserves all the encomiums that will come his way on this occasion for his uncommon life of service and immense contributions to this country,” Tinubu said.
The President described the nonagenarian as a disciplined and principled leader whose life reflects honesty, dedication and true leadership.
“His life is a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership,” he stated.
According to Tinubu, Fasoranti’s passion for education shaped his early career and enduring legacy. He noted that the elder statesman studied at the University of Ibadan, the University of Hull and Maguire University in Sydney, Australia, before serving as a teacher and establishing schools in Ondo State, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy, Igoba Akure.
The President also highlighted Fasoranti’s political journey as a loyal disciple of late nationalist Obafemi Awolowo and one of the last surviving Awoists.
Tinubu recalled that Fasoranti was a member of the defunct Action Group during the First Republic and later served in the Unity Party of Nigeria administration of late former Ondo State governor Adekunle Ajasin as Commissioner for Finance between 1979 and 1983.
“It is on record that his integrity and financial prudence helped manage the state’s finances,” the President said.
The President further praised the Afenifere leader for his role in the pro-democracy struggle during the military era, noting that he became one of the prominent voices against dictatorship and a strong advocate for Yoruba unity and development.
“Pa Fasoranti’s voice became one of the rallying voices against military dictatorship, demanding the return of democracy to the land,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu said Fasoranti later emerged as the recognised leader of Afenifere following internal divisions in the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation after the death of Abraham Adesanya.
“To this date, Baba remains the only recognised leader of Afenifere,” he added.
The President also reflected on the challenges Fasoranti endured, including an assassination attempt during the regime of late military ruler Sani Abacha, the death of his wife in 1991 and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by kidnappers in 2019.
Despite the tragedies, Tinubu said Fasoranti remained resilient and steadfast.
The President expressed gratitude for Fasoranti’s support and prayers throughout his political journey, especially ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
“At the start of my campaign for the presidency, I visited Pa Fasoranti in Akure. Baba prayed for my electoral victory, saying he would live to witness my ascension to the presidency,” Tinubu recalled.
“I thank Baba for his prayers, his belief in my vision, and his continued support for our Renewed Hope Administration. Above all, I thank Pa Fasoranti for his service to Nigeria,” he added.