President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti, recalling how the late elder statesman predicted in 2022 that he would become Nigeria’s president.
Fasoranti, a prominent Yoruba leader and elder statesman, died at the age of 100.
In a condolence statement issued on Tuesday, Tinubu said he remembered visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his 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 said he had hoped the late Afenifere leader would live to witness his second term and the anticipated benefits of economic growth and prosperity.
Tinubu described Fasoranti as an icon of integrity and one of the last prominent figures in the progressive political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said the centenarian devoted his life to the Yoruba people and Nigeria’s unity and progress, with an unwavering commitment to true federalism, social justice and good governance.
Fasoranti served as an educationist and school principal before becoming Commissioner for Finance in the old Western Region. He later emerged as the leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.
Tinubu also credited the late elder statesman with contributing to Nigeria’s democratic struggle, saying he fought for the democracy the country enjoys today, even at the risk of his life.
“Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today,” the President said.
He added that Nigeria would miss Fasoranti’s wisdom, moral authority and counsel, particularly at a time when the country needed his guidance.
Tinubu recalled that Fasoranti celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11, describing the milestone as a celebration of a legacy built on honour, discipline and selfless service.
The President extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government, South-West Nigeria and the Afenifere organisation on the loss.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and strength for the family to bear the loss.
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