Yoruba leaders hail Fasoranti at 100, praise legacy of service, unity
Eminent Nigerians on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in celebration of his 100th birthday, describing him as a symbol of integrity, unity and selfless service.
The commendations were made at a special centenary event held in Ibadan, Oyo State, organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission.
Speakers at the event described Fasoranti as a custodian of Yoruba values and a moral compass whose life exemplifies principled leadership and commitment to public good.
A chieftain of Afenifere, Femi Okunrounmu, noted that Fasoranti belonged to a generation defined by service and dedication to the welfare of the people, contrasting it with what he described as a decline in values in contemporary governance.
“Pa Fasoranti is one of the founding fathers with Baba Awolowo and other notable figures in Yorubaland. He was in the midst of it all when the welfare and interest of the ordinary people formed the basis of governance, contrary to what we are witnessing today,” Okunrounmu said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, described the nonagenarian as a “working conscience” and a distinguished alumnus whose life reflects discipline, moral clarity and commitment to truth.
Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, commended Fasoranti’s lifelong dedication to national development, noting that he gave his all without seeking personal rewards.
In a lecture, Professor of History at the University of Lagos, Ayodeji Olukoju, called for a return to character-driven leadership, while the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, said Fasoranti’s life should serve as a guide for current and future leaders.
