President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Pa Reuben Fasoranti as a rare breed of elder statesman who did not merely observe Nigeria's turbulent history but walked its roughest roads. Speaking during the centenary birthday celebration of Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State capital, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized that Fasoranti is a living legend due to his long-standing witness to colonial rule, independence, and post-independence eras.
President Hails Fasoranti's Advocacy
The President hailed the Afenifere leader for giving voice to the under-represented and for sacrificing his comfort in doing so, rejecting the convenient silence of privilege to embrace the burden of advocacy and the loneliness of principle. He also lauded the centenarian for his service to the country, education, democracy, and the cause of justice, while acknowledging the Fasoranti family for bearing the weight that comes with the life of a public conscience.
Ondo Governor Names Flyover After Fasoranti
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State described Fasoranti as an institution whose life has become synonymous with integrity, discipline, and principled leadership. Aiyedatiwa noted that through political transitions, national uncertainty, and changing times, the centenarian had remained steadfast. The governor announced the naming of the newly commissioned Onyearugbulem-Shagari/Irese Road flyover along the Ilesha-Akure-Owo Expressway after Fasoranti.
Tributes from Abiodun and Fayemi
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, presented a tribute on behalf of the people of Ogun State, describing Fasoranti as an iconic Nigerian and praying for continued strength and good health for the elder statesman. Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said Fasoranti's attainment of 100 years represents a rare divine blessing, adding that the nonagenarian's enduring relevance to national life made the milestone even more remarkable.
Fasoranti's Call for Unity
Fasoranti, expressing gratitude to God for preserving him to see 100 years on earth, recalled that he had lived through colonial rule, independence, war, peace, military rule, and democracy. The centenarian and elder statesman urged Afenifere to remain united, warning that a house divided against itself cannot stand. He also called on the country and Ondo State to return to the values of discipline, honesty, and service above self, expressing his prayer for peace and good leaders.
