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The League of Veteran Journalists has paid glowing tribute to the late Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, describing him as a man of uncommon integrity who lived without a stain on his name despite the personal tragedies and political persecution he endured.
The veteran journalists said Fasoranti, who died on October 20 at the age of 100, distinguished himself through honesty, self-discipline, courage and an unwavering commitment to democracy, justice and the welfare of Nigerians.
In a condolence statement signed by its chairman, Banji Ogundele, the League declared that Fasoranti’s life was an enduring example of moral rectitude, public service and the finest Yoruba Omoluabi values.
“Veteran journalists are delighted to note that Chief Fasoranti, both in his private and public life, spent a century on earth without a stain on his name. His character had no blemish,” the statement read.
The League particularly commended the late elder statesman for the courage and composure with which he endured devastating personal tragedies, including the death of his wife and the murder of his daughter.
“Beside being a man of integrity, the centenarian was a study on how to handle personal vicissitudes of life, as he bore personal tragedies, such as the demise of his wife and the painful circumstance of the murder of his daughter, with equanimity and stoic grace.”
The journalists recalled that long before he emerged as one of the most influential moral voices in the South-West, he had devoted himself to education and the development of generations of Nigerians.
“We recall that, long before he became a moral compass of the South-West, Chief Fasoranti was a builder of minds as he deployed the power of education to empower people.
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“A man who, in his personal and public life, exemplified self-discipline, honesty and moral rectitude ardently demonstrated the finest Omoluabi ethos of moral, cultural and democratic values.
“Thus, through personal examples, he imparted discipline, knowledge and moral rectitude to generations of leaders in the finest tradition of his hero and mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”
The League also highlighted his participation in the pro-democracy struggle against military dictatorship, particularly the campaign spearheaded by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) for the restoration of the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate.
It recalled that the late Afenifere leader faced grave threats to his life during the struggle but refused to abandon his convictions.
“Beside his noble achievements in the field of education, the late Afenifere leader’s commitment during the struggle, spearheaded by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), for the restoration of the June 12 presidential election was remarkable as he survived targeted assassination attempts by regime gangsters.
“In the face of all these, he never wavered, never bent and never compromised on his vision of impacting positively on society, realising a better deal for the people as well as participating in activities meant at institutionalising true federalism and justice for all Nigerians.”
The League said his lifelong devotion to democratic ideals, principled leadership and public service had left a legacy worthy of emulation by present and future generations.
It extended its condolences to his family, the Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State, the worldwide Afenifere family, the Yoruba people and all lovers of democracy in Nigeria, praying for the peaceful repose of the late elder statesman’s soul.
