President Bola Tinubu, governors of Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo including notable politicians and royal fathers in Yorubaland converged on Lagos on Friday to celebrate leader of socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, who clocked 100 years on May 11, 2026.
The event tagged ‘Centennial birthday lecture: A century of courage and stewardship of Yoruba democratic legacy,’ held at the Muson Centre, Onikan.
Mr Fasoranti was eulogised for being an advocate for democracy, keeping alive the legacy of former Premier of the old western region, Obafemi Awolowo, and maintaining unity in Afenifere .
He was also praised for the roles he played for the group in supporting Yorubas in Nigeria’s leadership, as well as the formation of Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress, Action Congress of Nigeria, and the All Progressives Congress, after following in the footsteps of the National Democratic Coalition, and other Yoruba founding fathers which helped UPN, Action Group and the Social Democratic Party.
President Bola Tinubu and distinguished guest of honour at the event, represented by the minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, said Mr Fasoranti’s life ws a lesson to youths to lead a fulfilling life, adding that his impact on Nigeria would always be remembered.
Mr Tinubu said, “The biggest thing Mr Fasoranti has done for us is to teach us the younger ones how to live a good and fulfilling life. I think he has shown us, he has led by example and his contribution to Nigeria, most especially, to the Yourba race, can and will never be forgotten, neither will it be ignored.”
Mr Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, described Mr Fasoranti as a pillar of Yoruba democracy and culture, adding that the story of Nigeria’s democracy would be incomplete without his name prominent in it.
Mr Gbajabiamila said, “The life and times of Pa Fasoranti cannot be both parochially and limited to the Yoruba race. That will be doing a great disservice to his legacy, works and contributions to the Nigerian democracy. He’s bigger than one race, he’s pan Nigeria. The story of Nigeria’s democracy can never be written without his name playing a prominent role. The name is indelible. Chapter after chapter, countless volumes can be written about his contributions.”
On his part, the Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressing pride that Mr Fasoranti is an indigene of the state, also congratulated him.
He said “because, to be 100, is not a small feat. God has spared his life, not only that, he is still very active.”
Mr Aiyedatiwa described Mr Fasoranti as, “a foremost elder statesman, a distinguished Nigerian, and one of the enduring custodians of the conscience, values and aspirations of Yoruba people.
“From the classroom to public life, education to community leadership, and for the struggle for democratic values to the preservation of Yoruba cultural and political identity, Pa Fasoranti has remained a man of conviction.”
The Olowo of Owo and the paramount ruler of Owoland, and chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Ajibade Gbadegeshin, who promised to keep working with Afenifere, stated that the life of Mr Fasoranti showed that being truthful, rather than being deceitful, is of immense benefit.
On his part, Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the secretary to the state government, Habibat Adubiaro, noted that Mr Fasoranti’s life devoted to the service of humanity, advancement of democratic ideals and the preservation of cultural and political heritage of the Yoruba people was an exceptional accomplishment.
Mr Oyebanji stated, “Pa Fasoranti belongs to that distinguished generation of Nigerian leaders whose commitment to public service was driven, not by the proceeds of personal gratification, but by profound conviction that leadership must ultimately serve the common goal.
“His courage in standing for principles, intellectual contributions to public discourse and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of democratic governance have earned him the respect of generations. To the Yoruba people in particular, Chief Fasoranti has become more than an elder statesman, with a really repository of wisdom, experience and cultural memory.
“His long and distinguished journey, offers younger generations an invaluable opportunity to understand where we have come from, appreciate the sacrifices that shaped our democratic heritage and reflect thoughtfully, on the kind of society we must build for the future.”
Responding on behalf of his father, Taiwo Fasoranti, who is also the secretary to the Ondo State government, appreciated the president and other notable personalities for celebrating his father and for their kind words.
Mr Fasoranti therefore urged governors and others present to ensure the re-election of Mr Tinubu in 2027 for him to finish what he started and take Nigerians to the promised land.
Other notable personalities at the event include, former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, who chaired the event; the chief host was the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat; former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi; ex-Ondo State governor, Segun Mimiko, among others.
