The exit of Pa Reuben Fasoranti

The passage of Afenifere leader, political icon and elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, at the age of 100 on October 20 has marked the end of an era. In a country where life expectancy is approximately 55 years, the attainment of 100 years is a great achievement. The late teacher and politician was a great follower of the late nationalist and politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the leader of the Action Group (AG) in the First Republic and later Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the Second Republic.

As a chieftain of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Fasoranti was among eminent Nigerians who opposed military rule in the country and fought for the return of democracy. He was among those who struggled for the actualization of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential poll, which was believed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

Fasoranti was born on May 11, 1926 in Uso, Ondo State, but he originally hailed from Akure. He was educated at St. Andrews Primary School in Owo and Ondo Boys’ High School for his primary and secondary education. Later, he went to Yaba High College, which later became Yaba College of Technology, in Lagos. He also studied Geography at the University of Ibadan. His teaching career started at Ondo Boys’ High School.

He also had a postgraduate diploma in educational administration at the University of Hull, United Kingdom (UK) and much later a master’s degree in educational administration and school management at Macquarie University, Sidney, Australia.

Before joining politics, he worked a teacher and school administrator. He later established Omolere Nursery School and Akure High school, among others. Chief Fasoranti served as Commissioner for Finance in the government of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin in old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983.

Fasoranti was one of the leading figures in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation. He later became the leader of the organisation following the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya. Chief Fasoranti readily offered his views on issues affecting his people and Nigeria. He was a strong advocate of true federalism, restructuring and good governance in the country.

Since his demise, prominent Nigerians have paid glowing tributes to the late leader. In his tribute to the deceased political leader, President Bola Tinubu said: “Pa Fasoranti was an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family. His life, spanning a century, was a lesson in integrity, discipline, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.”

The President added that “Baba never wavered in his belief in true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all. Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today. Pa Fasoranti distinguished himself in every respect in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said: “Baba’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary era. As an educationist, Baba understood early on that building a nation required building its people.”

Chief Olu Falae said: “His death has left a big void in the political, religious and social life, not only of Akure and St. David’s Church or Ondo State, but of the entire Yoruba nation.” Falae described him as an exceptional generational man, one in a thousand years, stressing that the late elder statesman’s legacy extended beyond politics to education, religion and community development. He concluded that people who combined such virtues as peace, humility, generosity and selfless service were rare in any society.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State said: Fasoranti was a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service, whose life was dedicated to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria. He added that the late Afenifere leader had left behind an enduring legacy of honour and service that would continue to inspire generations.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate described Fasoranti as a man whose stature was built on a lifetime of service, principle and sacrifice.

No doubt, Fasoranti was a great leader, a political icon and pro-democracy activist who served his people and the nation with immense dedication and sacrifice. He died at a time his wise counsel would be highly needed. We urge the Federal Government to immortalise the great Nigerian patriot and elder statesman. We commiserate with his family, the political class and others on his demise. May God give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and may his soul rest in peace.