Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed sadness over the death of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the revered elder statesman and national leader of Afenifere, who died at the age of 100.
Akpabio described Fasoranti’s death as a profound loss to his family, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
He said the deceased belonged to a distinguished generation of Nigerians whose lives were defined by service, conviction and commitment to the common good.
The Senate president described Fasoranti’s century-long life as a testament to integrity, courage, selflessness and dedication to public service.
“As a prominent voice in Nigeria’s socio-political development and a respected leader of Afenifere, he made lasting contributions to political discourse, democratic governance and the pursuit of justice,” he said.
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 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.
“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.”
Akpabio extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, the people of Akure, the government and people of Ondo State, and the entire Yoruba nation.
He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from the knowledge that Fasoranti had lived a long and consequential life, leaving behind a legacy worthy of honour and emulation.
He prayed that God would grant the family the strength to bear the loss and that the late elder statesman would rest in peace.
“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,” the Senate president added.
