PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS PA REUBEN FASORANTI, PAYS TRIBUTE TO AFENIFERE LEADER WHO PASSED ON AT 100
I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, our father, patriarch, elder statesman, and foremost Afenifere leader, who died at the glorious age of 100.
On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the good people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State and South-West Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family.
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.
From his days as an educationist and principal, to his stewardship as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State, and later as the leader of Afenifere, Baba never wavered in his belief in true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all.
Pa Fasoranti distinguished himself in every respect: in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes. Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel.
I recall with fondness the visit of Baba to my residence in Lagos, and subsequently, his gracious reception of me in Akure during the lead-up to my decision to contest the presidency. Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer.
It is my prayer that the Almighty God will grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort those he left behind.
I had hoped to have him around with us for my second term to witness the full dawn of economic growth and prosperity in the land.
But we must thank God for Pa Fasoranti’s long life of service, grace and fulfilment.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria October 20, 2026