Say his life was dedicated to justice, fairness, preservation of Yoruba values, others

The leadership of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, and Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, have expressed grief over the death of Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the revered Afenifere Leader Emeritus, who died at the age of 100.

In separate condolence messages, both described the late elder statesman as a principled leader whose life was devoted to justice, fairness, democracy and the preservation of Yoruba values.

In a message signed by Afenifere‘s leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John, the organisation said Fasoranti would be remembered for his unwavering commitment to its founding ideals, including equity, equality, democratic governance and a life of abundance for all.

Hamzat, on behalf of his family, commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the government and people of Ondo State and the entire Yoruba nation over the loss.

He described Fasoranti as a distinguished educator, principled leader and respected voice in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, whose life was dedicated to justice, fairness and the preservation of Yoruba values within a united Nigeria.

Similarly, former Governor of Ekiti State and past Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi, in a condolence statement he personally signed, said the passing of Fasoranti represented a significant loss to the Yoruba people, the progressive political tradition and the wider Nigerian community, noting that the late Afenifere leader distinguished himself through his integrity, fairness and commitment to the welfare of his people.

However, the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has described Fasoranti’s life of service, wisdom and exemplary leadership as an enduring source of inspiration to the Yoruba race and Nigeria.

In a condolence message issued on behalf of the Council’s President, Jibade Oyekan, and its members, the Secretary-General of the YCE, Oladipo Oyewole, said the late elder statesman would be remembered for his humane nature, amiable disposition and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba cause.

Also, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; his Youth Development counterpart, Ayodele Olawande; former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and All Progressives Congress leaders have mourned Fasoranti

-Ojo, in a condolence letter he personally signed and made available to newsmen yesterday, stated: “With a heavy heart, I join the nation in mourning the departure of our revered elder statesman, Fasoranti.
Olawande noted that the late elder statesman “represented a generation of leaders whose lives were defined by courage, integrity, wisdom, and selfless service to humanity.”

Mimiko, in his tribute, described Fasoranti as “more than an elder statesman,” noting that he was “a custodian of a political tradition, a devoted disciple of Obafemi Awolowo and a man whose life embodied the enduring virtues of discipline, integrity, courage and service.

Elders of the APC, under the aegis of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Ondo State, described Fasoranti’s demise as “the exit of a towering figure whose life enriched Ondo State, the Yoruba nation, and Nigeria.

Demola Ijabiyi, in a condolence message on behalf of the Forum, stated: “Pa Fasoranti was the right-hand man of the late sage and one of his most trusted pillars.”