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President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, have mourned the death of the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, describing his passing at the age of 100 as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
The two Senate leaders paid tribute to the late elder statesman for his contributions to democratic governance, national development and the pursuit of true federalism, noting that his life was defined by integrity, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
They noted that Fasoranti’s legacy transcended ethnic and political boundaries, stressing the importance of preserving the values of integrity, constructive engagement and respect for democratic ideals in building a united and prosperous country.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President described the deceased as one of the rare elder statesmen whose lives embodied wisdom, courage and principled leadership.
Akpabio said Fasoranti belonged to a distinguished generation of Nigerians whose lives were shaped by service, conviction and dedication to the common good.
“Pa Reuben Fasoranti was one of those rare elder statesmen whose lives embodied the wisdom of experience and the strength of conviction. His passing is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family and the Yoruba people, but also to the entire Nigerian nation,” Akpabio said.
He added that Fasoranti’s longevity and contributions to public life had left a legacy that would continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.
“At 100, Baba Fasoranti leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, courage and fidelity to his convictions. His life reminds us that true leadership is measured not merely by the positions we occupy, but by the values we uphold, the people we serve and the positive impact we leave on society.
“Though he has departed, the principles he stood for and the example he set will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians,” he said.
Akpabio extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, the people of Akure, the Ondo State Government and the entire Yoruba nation.
He urged the bereaved family to draw comfort from the knowledge that their patriarch lived a long and consequential life, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
“May the memory of Pa Reuben Fasoranti remain a source of inspiration, and may his life of service continue to remind us of our collective responsibility to build a just, united and prosperous Nigeria,” Akpabio added.
Similarly, Bamidele described the late Afenifere leader as a patriot of exceptional standing who consistently placed national interest above personal and sectional considerations.
The Senate Leader, in his condolence message, said Fasoranti’s contributions as an educationist, school administrator and community leader had left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s development.
He said the late centenarian would be remembered for his principled positions, selflessness and commitment to national unity and progress.
Bamidele also described Fasoranti as one of the last surviving Awoists and a vital link between the politics of the First Republic and the Fourth Republic.
According to him, the late elder statesman remained a custodian of the progressive ideals associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose political philosophy shaped generations of political leaders.
“His wise counsel, moral authority and stabilising voice will be sorely missed at this critical period in our national life,” Bamidele said.
Bamidele, on his part, extended his condolences on behalf of his family, constituents and the Senate to the deceased’s family, the people of Ondo State, Afenifere and the Yoruba nation.
Both Senate leaders prayed for the peaceful repose of Fasoranti’s soul, describing his life of service as an enduring example for present and future generations.
