Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa Celebrate Fasoranti at 100, Hail Him as Voice of the Oppressed

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and other eminent Nigerians on Monday celebrated the leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, as he clocked 100 years.

The centenary celebration, held at Pa Fasoranti’s residence along Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure, attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, family members and well-wishers from across the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu at the event, described the elder statesman as “a moral compass and living witness to Nigeria’s historical evolution,” noting that his life reflects courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to public service.

According to Shettima, Pa Fasoranti belongs to a generation that shaped history rather than merely witnessing it.

“Any society where leadership loses compassion for the vulnerable becomes weakened,” the Vice President said.

He commended the Afenifere leader for consistently standing with the oppressed and giving voice to the underrepresented, stressing that Pa Fasoranti had always chosen “principle over convenience and service over silence.”

The Vice President noted that the elder statesman had lived through Nigeria’s colonial era, independence, military rule, interrupted democratic transitions and the current democratic dispensation while remaining steadfast in his commitment to justice, fairness and national unity.

Shettima also recalled Pa Fasoranti’s background as an educator, saying although his classroom no longer has walls, his teachings and moral influence continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.

On behalf of President Tinubu and the Federal Government, he appreciated the centenarian for his immense contributions to education, democracy and nation-building, while praying for continued good health and a lasting legacy for him.

In his remarks, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described Pa Fasoranti as “a towering moral authority and living institution” whose life embodies discipline, integrity, courage and selfless service.

The governor said the celebration was not merely about longevity, but a recognition of a life deeply woven into Nigeria’s moral and historical fabric.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Pa Fasoranti belongs to a rare class of individuals whose lives define the ethical character of their generation,” Aiyedatiwa stated.

He added that the respect and influence enjoyed by the elder statesman were not products of political office or material wealth, but the result of moral authority, which he described as the highest form of leadership.

Aiyedatiwa urged younger Nigerians to emulate Pa Fasoranti’s values of honesty, discipline and selfless service, stressing that enduring greatness is built on integrity and not temporary recognition.

He also praised the elder statesman’s humility and simplicity, describing him as a leader who commands respect without arrogance.

“Happy 100th birthday to our own living legend, Pa Fasoranti,” the governor said.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his goodwill message, said it was an honour to identify with the celebration of a man whose life continues to inspire national admiration and respect.

Former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, described the occasion as “a celebration of dignity, honour, integrity and resilience in adversity.”

Mimiko noted that Pa Fasoranti personally insisted that the celebration be held within his residence, a gesture he said reflected the elder statesman’s humility and simplicity.

“Pa Fasoranti is a complete man whose life offers enduring lessons in leadership and character,” Mimiko said.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Osun State Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore; and the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Dr Aliyu Modibbo Umar.

Traditional rulers present included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, represented by Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi; the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, among others.

Members of Afenifere, the Fasoranti family, children, grandchildren and several admirers also attended the celebration.