The leadership of Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba and the Coalition for a Better Nigeria have mourned the passing of Afenifere leader and Yoruba icon, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, describing him as a colossus of history and a moral compass for Nigeria.
In a press statement issued on Monday and signed by its President and National Coordinator, Comrade Awa Bamiji, the groups said they received the news of Pa Fasoranti’s death with profound shock and deep sorrow.
Bamiji, on behalf of members across Yorubaland and Nigeria, commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, the Government and people of Ondo State, and all Nigerians over the monumental loss.
According to the statement, Pa Fasoranti was not just the leader of Afenifere but a fearless advocate of true federalism, restructuring and good governance.
“As an educationist, elder statesman and patriot, he devoted his entire life to the service of humanity, the unity of Yorubaland and the progress of Nigeria,” Bamiji said.
He noted that Pa Fasoranti’s principled stand, uncommon courage, integrity and fatherly wisdom distinguished him as a rare breed of leader whose departure has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.
Bamiji added that at 100 years, the late centenarian lived a fulfilled life worthy of celebration, having fought a good fight for justice, equity and a better Nigeria — the very ideals the two organisations stand for.
“We pray that the Almighty God will grant his gentle soul eternal rest and grant his family and the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Adieu, Baba Omo Yoruba! Your legacies live on,” the statement concluded.
