President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as the revered Yoruba leader clocks 100 years on May 11, describing him as a symbol of integrity, courage, principled leadership and unwavering service to Nigeria.
In a personally signed statement released on Sunday, the President said his “joy knows no bounds” witnessing Fasoranti attain the milestone age after decades of service as an administrator, educationist, pro-democracy activist and political leader.
Tinubu described the centenarian as a man whose life reflects discipline, honesty, dedication to national service and commitment to noble causes.
According to the President, Fasoranti’s contributions to education and politics have left enduring footprints across Nigeria, particularly in the South-West.
He noted that the elder statesman understood early in life the transformative power of education, earning a degree in English and Geography from the then University College Ibadan, now the , before proceeding to the for a postgraduate diploma in Education and later obtaining a Master’s degree in Education Administration and School Management from Maguire University in Sydney, Australia.
Tinubu highlighted Fasoranti’s years as a teacher at Ondo Boys’ High School and other institutions within the Ondo-Akure axis, as well as his role in establishing Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure, which he founded in memory of his late wife.
The President also traced Fasoranti’s political journey from the defunct Action Group in the First Republic to the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic, where he served as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State under the administration of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin between 1979 and 1983.
Tinubu said Fasoranti earned widespread respect for his integrity and financial prudence while managing the state’s finances.
The President further praised the elder statesman’s role during the military era, noting that Fasoranti became one of the leading voices against dictatorship and a strong advocate for democracy, Yoruba unity and development through the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere.
According to Tinubu, Fasoranti emerged as the recognised leader of Afenifere following internal divisions in the group after the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya, maintaining a respected and influential voice across the country.
The President recalled that Fasoranti survived an assassination attempt allegedly linked to agents of the late General Sani Abacha regime, saying the experience only strengthened his resolve against oppression and military rule.
Tinubu also reflected on some of the painful moments in Fasoranti’s life, including the death of his wife in 1991 and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by kidnappers in July 2019.
Despite the tragedies and the effects of old age, Tinubu said the elder statesman has remained resilient and steadfast.
The President expressed gratitude for Fasoranti’s support and prayers over the years, particularly during his presidential ambition.
Tinubu recalled visiting the Afenifere leader in Akure at the beginning of his presidential campaign, where Fasoranti prayed for his victory and expressed confidence that he would live to witness Tinubu become President.
“God answered his prayer through my victory and eventual ascendancy to the top office,” Tinubu stated.
He prayed for God to grant Fasoranti many more years in good health, while thanking him for his enduring service to Nigeria and support for the Renewed Hope Administration.