Follow Us on Google
President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and his Ekiti State counterpart, Biodun Oyebanji have congratulated elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, on his 100th birth anniversary.
“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 on May 11,” Tinubu said in a statement yesterday.
According to him, Baba Fasoranti deserves all the accolades that will come his way on this occasion for his uncommon life of service and immense contributions to this country.
The statement read: “Pa Fasoranti has distinguished himself in all respects: in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes. His life is a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership.
“Early in life, Baba understood the value of education as a catalyst for personal and societal development. He bagged a degree in English/Geography at the University College in Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan), a postgraduate diploma in Education at the University of Hull, United Kingdom, and a Master’s in Education Administration and School Management at Maguire University, Sydney, Australia.
“Pa Fasoranti has enduring legacies and footprints in education, as evidenced in his service as a teacher in his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, among other institutions in the Ondo-Akure axis, and in his establishment of Omolere Nursery and Primary School in Akure, Akure High School, and later St. Frances’ Academy, Igoba, Akure, which he founded in memory of his late wife.
“Papa, however, had a greater impact through his political activities, activism, and vision. A disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and one of the last surviving Awoists, Pa Fasoranti belonged to the defunct Action Group in the First Republic and to the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic. Between 1979 and 1983, in the UPN administration of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin in old Ondo State, Baba Fasoranti served meritoriously as Commissioner for Finance.
“It is on record that his integrity and financial prudence helped manage the state’s finances.
“Owing to his fervent belief in Awolowo’s vision, the Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi, emphasising the significance of good conduct and ideals, and his consistency, Baba was to play even more prominent roles in the post-Second Republic era, an era of the locusts when the military usurped political power.
“Pa Fasoranti’s voice became one of the rallying voices against military dictatorship, demanding the return of democracy to the land. He became one of the leading lights in Afenifere, agitating for Yoruba unity, solidarity and development.
“When Afenifere was factionalised after the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya, Pa Fasoranti became the authentic leader of that pan-Yoruba socio-political group, one whose voice is highly respected and with whom many identified. To this date, Baba remains the only recognised leader of Afenifere.
“Pa Fasoranti faced many challenges in his chequered life, including an assassination attempt on him by agents of the late General Sani Abacha regime. Baba emerged from the unsuccessful attempt even stronger and more resilient against the tyranny and oppression of the military.
“However, age, the death in 1991 of his wife, with whom he shared a deep love, and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by kidnappers in July 2019 have all slowed down Baba. Pa Fasoranti weathered the storms, and he is soldiering on.
“While praying that God Almighty keep Baba with us for many more years because of his intrinsic worth, I must again express my eternal gratitude to him for his support over the years and for his continued prayers, particularly in my journey to the presidency.
“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. God answered his prayer through my victory and eventual ascendancy to the top office.
“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.
In his message, Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, described Fasoranti as a committed leader and one of the surviving disciples of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The governor lauded Fasoranti’s contributions to the development of Yorubaland and Nigeria and described him as a respected and passionate statesman, whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remained indelible.
Other News
Sanwo-Olu said Fasoranti had impacted many lives positively, through courageous and uncompromising leadership, noting that his commitment to public service and community development was commendable.
According to him, the people of Yorubaland appreciate Fasoranti’s leadership over the years and are proud to celebrate his centenary.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State, as well as my brother governors in the Southwest, I congratulate the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on his centenary birthday celebration.
“Papa Fasoranti has made a lot of positive impact in Yorubaland and has done great exploits as the leader of Afenifere by steering the ship of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation in the right direction.
“He has devoted and committed himself to the Nigeria project since his active years.
“We cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance, which he has championed for many decades,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said that attaining the age of 100 in good health and sound mind was worthy of gratitude to God, asking God to grant Fasoranti more impactful years.
“As Pa Reuben Fasoranti celebrates his centenary birthday, I pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with good health, wisdom, knowledge and understanding in his old age,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated Afenifere Leader, Reuben Fasoranti, on his 100th birth anniversary.
Oyebanji described the Afenifere leader as a symbol of integrity, courage and selfless service to Nigeria .
The governor said Fasoranti’s attainment of the age of 100 in good health and sound mind was a demonstration of God’s grace upon his life.
He described the Afenifere leader as a patriot, nationalist and defender of democracy, who stood firmly for the masses during critical periods in the nation’s history.
Oyebanji noted that Fasoranti made significant contributions to human capital development as a teacher, school principal and education policy maker, before venturing into politics.
The governor also described the elder statesman as a committed disciple of the late Obafemi Awolowo, who had remained consistent with the ideals and values of Afenifere.
He added that Fasoranti had consistently advocated the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria over the years.
Oyebanji wished the elder statesman more years of fruitful service to the nation, saying the government and people of Ekiti joined family members, friends and associates in celebrating him.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate our dearly beloved leader, Baba Fasoranti, on the celebration of his 100th birthday.
“Our prayer is that he will continue to enjoy God’s grace, strength and peace as he continues to serve humanity,” the governor said.
