President Bola Tinubu and members of the family of late nationalist Chief Obafemi Awolowo have mourned the death of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the revered leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, who died at the age of 100.

Tinubu described the late elder statesman as a principled leader and one of the last prominent figures of the progressive political tradition associated with Awolowo, noting that his life exemplified integrity, discipline, selflessness and commitment to national development.

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, the President extended his sympathies to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure, the Ondo State Government, the wider South-West region and members of Afenifere.

He recalled Fasoranti’s contributions as an educationist, school principal, former commissioner for finance in the old Ondo State and leader of Afenifere. Tinubu said the deceased remained steadfast in his advocacy for true federalism, social justice and a Nigeria that works for all citizens.

The President also recognised Fasoranti’s role in the struggle for democracy, noting that he had faced considerable risks in defending democratic governance. He said the country would miss the late leader’s wisdom, moral authority and fatherly counsel.

Tinubu recalled visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his intention to contest the presidency. According to the President, the elder statesman offered prayers and expressed confidence that he would become President during his lifetime.

Tinubu said Fasoranti’s centenary celebration in May had provided an opportunity to honour a life defined by service and an enduring legacy of honour.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc and daughter of Chief Awolowo, described Fasoranti as one of the last surviving custodians of the political philosophy and progressive ideals championed by her father.

She said the late Afenifere leader remained committed to justice, equity, progressive governance and the advancement of the common good despite changing political circumstances.

Awolowo Dosumu added that his passing represented a significant loss for the Awolowo family and others who valued the principles associated with the late nationalist. She noted that his institutional memory, moral authority and dedication to public service would be greatly missed.

Fasoranti’s death has also drawn condolences from political leaders, governors and prominent Nigerians, many of whom have recognised his contributions to education, democratic activism and public service.

Born in 1926, Fasoranti was a veteran educationist and politician who served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance from 1979 to 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin. He was also involved in pro-democracy activities, including the National Democratic Coalition’s efforts to restore democratic rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

His death marks the passing of a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political history, whose decades of public service helped shape the progressive movement in the South-West and the country’s democratic development.