‘His legacy towers above any office’ — Atiku, Sanwo-Olu pay tribute to Fasoranti

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, have paid tribute to Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, who died on Tuesday aged 100.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, announcedFasoranti’s death in a statement on Tuesday, describing him as a respected elder statesman committed to the development of Ondo, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

In a statement posted on X, Atiku said he was “deeply saddened” by Fasoranti’s death, adding that the late Afenifere leader’s legacy towers above any title or office.

“His stature was earned through a lifetime of service, principle and sacrifice, and his legacy towers above any title or office,” Atiku said.

“My condolences to his family, Afenifere and the people of Ondo State. May he rest in peace.”

In a statement issued by Gboyega Akosile, his special adviser on media and publicity, Sanwo-Olu described Fasoranti’s death as “the end of an era”.

He said the death of Fasoranti, whom he described as a respected elder statesman, educationist and progressive, was a major loss to the Yoruba people and Nigeria at large.

“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Lagos State, as well as my brother Governors in the South-West, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, Afenifere members and the entire people of Yorubaland over the departure of our respected leader and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti,” the statement reads.

“Baba Fasoranti was a respected and passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remain indelible.

“He impacted many lives positively through courageous and uncompromising leadership. His commitment to public service and community development was commendable.”

Sanwo-Olu said Fasoranti made significant contributions to Yorubaland and Nigeria during his lifetime, adding that he steered Afenifere in the right direction as its leader.

“We cherish Pa Fasoranti’s commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance, which he championed for many decades during his lifetime,” the governor said.

“I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Pa Reuben Fasoranti. May God grant the deceased’s family, loved ones, and the Yoruba people the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of the centenarian.”