Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, on his 100th birthday, describing him as one of the most respected voices in Yorubaland and a committed advocate of justice, good governance and true federalism.
Sanwo-Olu, who also serves as Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, praised Fasoranti for his long years of service to Nigeria and his role in sustaining the ideals of the late Obafemi Awolowo.
The governor’s message was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
In the statement, Sanwo-Olu described Fasoranti as a passionate nationalist, an honest leader and one of the surviving disciples of Awolowo who remained committed to the progress of Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He said the Afenifere leader had continued to inspire many Nigerians through his courage, discipline and dedication to public service.
According to the governor, Fasoranti’s contributions to education, leadership and community development remain significant and will continue to be remembered for generations.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State, as well as my brother governors in the South-West, I congratulate the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on his centenary birthday celebration,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“Papa Fasoranti has made a lot of positive impact in Yorubaland and has done great exploits as the leader of Afenifere by steering the ship of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation in the right direction.”
The governor said Fasoranti devoted most of his life to the Nigerian project and consistently stood for fairness, justice and democratic values.
“He has devoted and committed himself to the Nigeria project since his active years,” he added.
“We cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance, which he has championed for many decades.”
Sanwo-Olu also described Fasoranti’s attainment of 100 years in good health and sound mind as a rare blessing worthy of celebration and gratitude to God.
“As Pa Reuben Fasoranti celebrates his centenary birthday, I pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with good health, wisdom, knowledge and understanding in his old age,” the governor said.
Fasoranti is widely regarded as one of the most influential Yoruba leaders in Nigeria. Over the years, he has remained a major voice in national discussions on restructuring, federalism, democracy and the rights of the Yoruba people.
Born on May 11, 1926, in Akure, present-day Ondo State, Fasoranti began his career as a teacher before moving fully into politics and public service.
He was known to have worked closely with Chief Awolowo during the First Republic and later became one of the leading figures promoting the political and social ideals associated with the old Action Group and the Unity Party of Nigeria.
During the administration of former Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State, Fasoranti served as Commissioner for Finance.
His years in public office earned him a reputation as a disciplined and principled leader who strongly believed in accountability and grassroots development.
Fasoranti later emerged as a key figure in Afenifere, the influential Yoruba socio-cultural group formed to protect Yoruba interests and promote democratic governance in Nigeria.
The group became especially active during the military era when pro-democracy activists pushed for the return of civilian rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Moshood Abiola.
Many Afenifere leaders, including Fasoranti, were vocal critics of military rule and supported campaigns for democracy and constitutional reforms.
Under Fasoranti’s leadership, Afenifere remained influential in South-West politics and continued to speak on issues affecting national unity, restructuring and regional development.
Though age has slowed down his public activities in recent years, many political leaders across party lines still see him as a symbol of wisdom and integrity.
His centenary celebration has attracted tributes from political leaders, traditional rulers, religious groups and community organisations within and outside the South-West.
In Yoruba culture, elders who attain such age are highly respected and often regarded as custodians of wisdom and history.
Fasoranti’s life has also been marked by moments of personal tragedy and resilience.
In 2019, his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, was killed by suspected kidnappers along the Benin-Ore Expressway, an incident that drew national outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in the country.
Despite the tragedy, Fasoranti continued to call for peace, justice and national unity.
Many younger politicians in the South-West also see him as a mentor whose life reflects the values of discipline, honesty and service.
Sanwo-Olu’s tribute reflects the deep respect Fasoranti commands across the region and among Nigeria’s political class.
The Lagos governor noted that the people of Yorubaland remain proud of Fasoranti’s leadership and his contributions to national development.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, many Nigerians are expected to celebrate the elder statesman’s long life, enduring influence and commitment to the ideals of justice, democracy and good governance.