By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has mourned the death of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the revered elder statesman and National Leader of Afenifere, who died at the age of 100.
Akpabio described the death of the centenarian as a profound loss to his family, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria, saying the late statesman belonged to a distinguished generation of Nigerians whose lives were defined by public service, strong convictions and commitment to the common good.
In a condolence message, the Senate President said Fasoranti’s life was a testament to the enduring values of integrity, courage, selflessness and devotion to public service.
He noted that the deceased made significant contributions to Nigeria’s sociopolitical development as a prominent voice in national discourse and a respected leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation.
According to Akpabio, Fasoranti’s legacy transcended ethnic and political boundaries, demonstrating the importance of principled leadership, constructive engagement and respect for democratic ideals in advancing national development.
“Pa Reuben Fasoranti was one of those rare elder statesmen whose lives embodied the wisdom of experience and the strength of conviction. His passing is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family and the Yoruba people, but also to the entire Nigerian nation,” Akpabio said.
He added that the late statesman’s 100 years of life had left behind an enduring legacy of service, courage and fidelity to his convictions.
“At 100, Baba Fasoranti leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, courage and fidelity to his convictions. His life reminds us that true leadership is measured not merely by the positions we occupy, but by the values we uphold, the people we serve and the positive impact we leave on society.
“Though he has departed, the principles he stood for and the example he set will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians,” he said.
The Senate President extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, the people of Akure, the Ondo State Government and the entire Yoruba nation.
He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from the knowledge that their patriarch lived a long and consequential life, leaving behind a legacy worthy of honour and emulation.
Akpabio also prayed that Almighty God would grant the family the strength to bear the loss and give the deceased eternal rest.
“May the memory of Pa Reuben Fasoranti remain a source of inspiration, and may his life of service continue to remind us of our collective responsibility to build a just, united and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
