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My joy knows no bounds to see Pa Reuben Fasoranti, our father, elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, prominent politician and principal leader of Afenifere, reach the milestone of 100 years on May 11th.
Baba Fasoranti deserves all the praise that will come his way on this occasion for his extraordinary life of service and immense contributions to this country.
Pa Fasoranti stood out in all respects: for his disciplined and Spartan lifestyle, for his faith in principles and for his commitment to noble causes. His life is a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership.
From the beginning of his life, Baba understood the value of education as a catalyst for personal and social development. He holds a BA in English/Geography from University College Ibadan (now University of Ibadan), a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Hull, UK, and a Masters in Educational Administration and School Management from Maguire University, Sydney, Australia.
Pa Fasoranti has lasting legacies and footprints in the field of education, as evidenced in his service as a teacher in his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, among other institutions in the Ondo-Akure axis, and in his establishment of the Omolere Nursery and Primary School in Akure, Akure High School, and later St. Frances’ Academy, Igoba, Akure, which he established in memory of his late wife.
Dad, however, made a greater impact through his political activities, activism and vision. A disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and one of the last surviving Awoists, Pa Fasoranti belonged to the defunct Action Group in the First Republic and the Nigeria Unity Party in the Second Republic. Between 1979 and 1983, in the UPN administration of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State, Baba Fasoranti served meritoriously as Commissioner for Finance.
It is documented that his integrity and financial prudence helped manage the state’s finances.
Because of his fervent belief in Awolowo’s vision, Omoluabi’s Yoruba ethic, which emphasizes the importance of good conduct and ideals, and his consistency, Baba would play even greater roles in the post-Second Republic era, an era of locusts in which the military usurped political power.
Pa Fasoranti’s voice has become one of the voices that have mobilized against the military dictatorship, calling for the return of democracy to the country. He became one of the protagonists of Afenifere, agitating for Yoruba unity, solidarity and development.
When Afenifere was divided into factions after the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya, Pa Fasoranti became the authentic leader of that pan-Yoruba socio-political group, one whose voice is highly respected and with whom many identified. To this day Baba remains the only recognized leader of Afenifere.
Pa Fasoranti faced many challenges in his eventful life, including an assassination attempt against him by agents of the late General Sani Abacha regime. Baba emerged from the failed attempt even stronger and more resilient against the tyranny and oppression of the military.
However, age, the 1991 death of his wife, with whom he shared a deep love, and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by kidnappers in July 2019, have slowed Baba down. Pa Fasoranti has weathered the storms and continues to soldier on.
While I pray that Almighty God keeps Baba with us for many more years because of his intrinsic worth, I must once again express to him my eternal gratitude for his support over the years and for his continuous prayers, particularly in my journey to the presidency.
Early in my campaign for the presidency, I visited Pa Fasoranti in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Baba prayed for my election victory, saying that he would live to witness my rise to the presidency. God answered his prayer through my victory and my eventual rise to the highest office.
I thank Baba for his prayers, his faith in my vision and his continued support of our Renewed Hope administration. I especially thank Pa Fasoranti for his service to Nigeria.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
May 10, 2026
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