By Duchess Ifeoluwa
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of foremost Afenifere leader and Yoruba elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.
Tinubu described the late Fasoranti as a patriarch, an icon of integrity and one of the last great figures of the progressive political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In a condolence statement issued on Tuesday, the President said Fasoranti’s death was a significant loss to his family, the people of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State, the South-West and Nigeria as a whole.
On behalf of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people, Tinubu extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family and members of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.
He said the late elder statesman’s century-long life was characterised by integrity, discipline, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.
Tinubu recalled Fasoranti’s contributions to public service, from his career as an educationist and school principal to his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State and his leadership of Afenifere.
According to the President, Fasoranti remained steadfast in his advocacy for true federalism, social justice and a Nigeria that works for all citizens.
He also acknowledged the elder statesman’s contributions to the struggle for democracy, saying he made immense sacrifices, including putting his life at risk, in the fight for the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
Tinubu said the country would sorely miss Fasoranti’s wisdom, moral authority and fatherly counsel, particularly at a time when his guidance was needed.
The President recalled celebrating Fasoranti’s 100th birthday on May 11, 2026, noting that the occasion was not merely a celebration of longevity but also a recognition of a life marked by honour and service.
Tinubu also reflected on a visit to Fasoranti’s residence in Akure in 2022, when he informed the elder statesman of his decision to contest the presidency.
According to the President, Fasoranti prayed for him and expressed confidence that he would become President during his lifetime.
“I 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,” Tinubu said.
The President added that he had hoped the elder statesman would live to witness his second term in office and the anticipated benefits of economic growth and prosperity.
However, he said Nigerians should be grateful for Fasoranti’s long life and the legacy of service he left behind.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to comfort his family and all those mourning his passing.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. May God comfort all who mourn him and grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the President said.
Read the President’s condolence message below:
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
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.
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, especially now, when we need his guidance most.
I recall Baba’s centenary on May 11 this year, when we celebrated not just longevity, but a legacy of honour. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints in the sands of time.
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 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.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. May God comfort all who mourn him and grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President & Commander-in- Chief,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
October 20, 2026
