Fasoranti’s death leaves vacuum, say Southwest Reps, Arewa

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna, and Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

The Southwest House of Representatives Caucus, Arewa Think Tank and the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, have mourned Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, describing his death as a national loss and paying tribute to his contributions to unity, democratic governance and education.

In separate condolence messages, they said the elder statesman’s commitment to justice, integrity and public service earned him respect beyond the Southwest and provided enduring lessons for generations of Nigerians.

The Southwest caucus, in a statement by its leader, James Abiodun Faleke, said Fasoranti’s death had created a vacuum, describing him as a selfless leader who sought the best for the Yoruba and Nigeria.

Faleke said the late Afenifere leader would be remembered for promoting unity, justice and fair play, adding that he led with dedication and earned the confidence of his followers.

“Fasoranti will be missed not only by the Yoruba, whom he led with dedication and forthrightness. He led without bias. His tenure was peaceful, remarkable and memorable.

“Fasoranti rallied the race he led under one, united umbrella. He was not controversial. He was forthright in his dealings with his followers and he earned their respect,” he said.

Faleke extended the lawmakers’ condolences to the bereaved family, the Yoruba and the government and people of Ondo State, saying Fasoranti’s absence would be felt across the country.

Similarly, the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, described his passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria and generations of leaders who drew inspiration from his life of service.

Yakubu said Fasoranti was a principled statesman whose contributions to political development, democratic governance and national cohesion would remain part of Nigeria’s history.

“Reuben Fasoranti was more than a respected Yoruba leader; he was a Nigerian patriot whose life and convictions reflected the enduring values of integrity, justice, democratic principles and service to humanity,” he said.

Recalling a visit to the elder statesman, Yakubu said he and his associates benefited from Fasoranti’s warm reception, wisdom and knowledge.

He said Fasoranti represented a generation defined by selflessness, courage, discipline and commitment to the common good, adding that his death came at a time when Nigeria needed the moral guidance of respected elder statesmen.

“He belonged to a generation that understood that nation-building requires sacrifice, tolerance, courage and a willingness to put the collective interest above personal considerations.

“His life reminds us that leadership is not measured by the positions we occupy but by the values we uphold and the positive impact we leave on society,” Yakubu said.

He urged political leaders to honour Fasoranti’s memory by promoting unity, strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that public leadership remained anchored in integrity and accountability.

“The most fitting tribute we can pay to Reuben Fasoranti is to uphold the ideals he represented,” he said, extending condolences to the family, Afenifere, the people of Ondo State and the Yoruba.

On her part, UNIMED Vice-Chancellor, Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, paid tribute to Fasoranti’s contributions to educational development, describing his life as a legacy of service, integrity and commitment to human capital development.

She said his contributions to education in Ondo State would remain a source of inspiration to students, educators and public-spirited individuals.

Adejuyigbe noted that his life demonstrated the importance of education to individual advancement, community development and societal progress, stressing that expanding educational opportunities required visionary leadership and sustained commitment.

According to her, investment in education remains one of the most enduring contributions anyone can make to a community and succeeding generations.

She urged younger Nigerians to uphold the values of integrity, responsibility and service that defined Fasoranti’s life, while calling on the people of Ondo State to preserve his ideals through renewed commitment to education, youth development and nation-building.