Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Wednesday paid tribute to the late elder statesman and national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.
The tribute was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the Ooni Palace Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare.
The traditional ruler described the passing of the centenarian as “A profound loss to the Yoruba race and Nigeria,” noting that his life was marked by dedicated service, wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of his people.
Oba Ogunwusi also said Pa Fasoranti was a prominent member of “A generation of respected leaders, whose contributions to the political development of the country, the preservation of Yoruba identity and the struggle for democratic governance would remain significant in the nation’s history.”
He noted that the late Afenifere leader’s commitment to justice, good governance, equity and the welfare of the Yoruba people reflected the enduring values of responsible leadership and service to humanity.
He further observed that Pa Fasoranti’s influence extended beyond his leadership of Afenifere, adding that “His decades of public service and political engagement made him a respected voice in discussions concerning the future of Yorubaland and Nigeria.”
He extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, the people of Akure, the government and people of Ondo State, and the entire Yoruba race over the death of the centenarian.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and asked Almighty Olodumare to grant his family, associates and admirers the strength to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, ex-Osun State Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has also mourned the passing of the Afenifere leader, Chief Fasoranti.
Omisore, in a condolence message signed by the Director General, Rescue Mission, the Omisore Campaign Organisation, Ajibola Famurewa, described the late centenarian as a true nation-builder and an uncommon leader whose wealth of experience will be sorely missed by the entire Yoruba race in particular and Nigeria in general.
According to him, Fasoranti was not just a leader but an institution — a leader with uncommon leadership acumen, a consummate team player, and a repository of knowledge who spoke with remarkable accuracy and depth despite his advanced age.
“What made Baba exceptional was that even at 100, he remained politically alert, mentally sound, and intellectually sharp. He never suffered the memory loss often associated with old age. He could recall events, dates, and historical facts with precision. He was one of those rare gems created by God,” Omisore said.
He noted that Fasoranti would be remembered for his uprightness, discipline, and incorruptible leadership, which set him out as a moral compass for Afenifere and for Yorubaland
He also recounted several occasions “Where Fasoranti’s wisdom, fatherly counsel and strategic guidance helped to shape, stabilise and strengthen Afenifere as a formidable socio-political group, making it the envy of similar groups in other parts of the country.”
He said the late elder statesman’s principled stand on justice, federalism, restructuring, and good governance provided direction for the Yoruba nation for decades, and his century-long life was a lesson in selfless service.
Omisore extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the Government and people of Ondo State, the entire Afenifere family and Yorubaland, praying that God will grant the soul of the departed patriarch eternal rest.
Fasoranti died at the age of 100.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, confirmed his death in a statement he personally issued on Tuesday.
