Fasoranti chose advocacy over silence, Tinubu says at centenary celebration

President Bola Tinubu on Monday paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti at his 100th birthday celebration in Akure, describing him as a courageous advocate who sacrificed personal comfort to defend the under-represented and speak against oppression.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said Fasoranti remained “a steadfast voice for the dignity of his people and for the unity of this nation on the basis of justice.”

Tinubu said the centenarian rejected “the convenient silence of the privileged” and instead chose the difficult path of advocacy and principled leadership.

“Chief Fasoranti gave voice to the under-represented and sacrificed his comfort in doing so. He rejected the convenient silence of the privileged and embraced the burden of advocacy, the loneliness of principle, and the risk of standing with those whom society was tempted to ignore,” the President stated.

The President noted that in a society where some leaders place personal interests above public service, Fasoranti distinguished himself through integrity, compassion and commitment to justice.

“When power forgets compassion, the weak are abandoned to the cold margins of society. This is where people like our celebrant stand out,” Tinubu said.

He also praised Fasoranti’s lifelong commitment to education, describing him as “a teacher whose classroom is now the conscience of the nation.”

According to the President, Fasoranti remained firm in defending democracy and justice even during periods when dissent attracted threats and intimidation.