The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and former Osun State Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, have mourned the death of Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, describing him as a respected elder statesman whose contributions to Yorubaland and Nigeria would be remembered for generations.

Fasoranti died at the age of 100, with Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirming his death in a statement issued on Tuesday.

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In a condolence statement released on Wednesday by the Ooni Palace Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, Oba Ogunwusi described the death as “a profound loss to the Yoruba race and Nigeria”.

The traditional ruler praised Fasoranti’s dedication to public service, integrity, wisdom and commitment to the advancement of his people.

He said the late Afenifere leader belonged to a generation of respected figures whose contributions to Nigeria’s political development, the preservation of Yoruba identity and the struggle for democratic governance remained significant.

According to the Ooni, Fasoranti’s commitment to justice, equity, good governance and the welfare of the Yoruba people reflected the values of responsible leadership and service to humanity.

He added that the elder statesman’s influence extended beyond his leadership of Afenifere, noting that his decades of political engagement made him a respected voice in discussions about the future of Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Oba Ogunwusi extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, Afenifere members, the people of Akure, the Ondo State Government and the wider Yoruba community.

He also prayed for strength and comfort for those mourning the loss.

Meanwhile, Omisore described Fasoranti as a nation-builder whose experience, counsel and leadership would be sorely missed across the country, particularly among the Yoruba people.

In a condolence message signed by Ajibola Famurewa, Director General of the Rescue Mission, Omisore Campaign Organisation, the former deputy governor portrayed Fasoranti as more than a political leader, describing him as an institution and a repository of knowledge.

“What made Baba exceptional was that even at 100, he remained politically alert, mentally sound, and intellectually sharp,” Omisore said.

He praised Fasoranti’s memory, political awareness and ability to recall historical events with precision, describing him as a rare figure whose wisdom remained valuable well into his later years.

Omisore also said the late Afenifere leader would be remembered for his uprightness, discipline and incorruptible leadership, which he said made him a moral reference point for the organisation and Yorubaland.

He recalled instances in which Fasoranti’s guidance and strategic counsel helped shape and strengthen Afenifere, adding that the elder statesman’s positions on justice, federalism, restructuring and good governance influenced political discussions for decades.

Omisore extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure, the Ondo State Government and the Afenifere community, praying for the peaceful repose of the late leader’s soul.