His life was a lesson in integrity, selflessness – Tinubu mourns Pa Fasoranti

President Bola Tinubu has described late Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti as an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family.

President Tinubu said this in a statement he issued on Tuesday following the demise of Pa Fasoranti at the age of 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.

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.

Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel.

I also recall his prayers and counsel when I came to his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of my decision to contest the presidency. Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer.

I had hoped Papa would also be around to witness the full benefits of our administration’s economic reforms and the next phase of our journey.

May God comfort all who mourn him and grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.

President Tinubu also recalled that the deceased had prayed and counseled him in his Akure residence in 2022 when he informed him of his decision to contest the presidency.

Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer, said the President.

May God comfort all who mourn him and grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss, said Tinubu.