Tributes as sympathisers throng Fasoranti’s residence in Akure

Sympathisers and political associates of the late Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, arrived at his Ijapo Estate residence in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Wednesday morning to sympathise with his family.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Fasoranti died on Tuesday evening at the age of 100.

A condolence register has been opened at his residence as prominent figures and community members pay their final respects.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the condolence register, described the late elder statesman as an epitome of kindness, humility, knowledge and inner strength.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said Mr Fasoranti had the ability to generate and implement ideas for the good of humanity, adding that he “came, lived and conquered.”

Also, Sehinde Arogbofa, the secretary-general of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political group, described Mr Fasoranti as accommodating.

Mr Arogbofa said the deceased upheld the values of Afenifere as laid down by the foremost Yoruba political leader and pre-Independence former premier of the defunct Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo.

He added that the late Afenifere leader also served as a rallying point and always bringing together aggrieved members of the group.

“He was a mentor to all of us. We thank God for his life,” he said.

The Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Fasua, described Mr Fasoranti’s life as a fulfilled one.

Mr Fasua described the deceased as a legend, educationist, frontiersman and political scientist, stating that he had replicated himself in many people.

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Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Simidele Odimayo, described Mr Fasoranti as a man of grace, integrity, doggedness and social consciousness.

Mr Odimayo, a professor, said the late Afenifere leader was committed to truth and defending the helpless at all times.

In his tribute, Victor Olabimtan, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council 2027 in Ondo State, described Mr Fasoranti as a titan of Afenifere and an embodiment of the ‘omoluabi’ virtues.

Mr Olabimtan, a former speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, added that the late elder statesman’s life was worthy of emulation.