“My Joy Knows No Bounds” — Tinubu Hails Last Awoist, Afenifere Lion Fasoranti At 100

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and foremost Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 100th birthday, describing the Yoruba patriarch as a rare symbol of integrity, principled leadership, and unflinching service to Nigeria.

In a heartfelt statement issued on Sunday to mark Fasoranti’s centenary on May 11, Tinubu said, “My joy knows no bounds as we witness Pa Reuben Fasoranti, our father, elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, prominent politician, and foremost Afenifere leader, attain the milestone age of 100.”

The president said Fasoranti’s life remains a shining metaphor for honesty, discipline, and sacrifice, noting that the nonagenarian’s legacy cuts across education, politics, and Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

“Baba Fasoranti deserves all the encomiums that will come his way on this occasion for his uncommon life of service and immense contributions to this country,” the nation’s leader said.

He described the Afenifere leader as one who distinguished himself through “his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes,” adding that Fasoranti’s journey represents “integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership.”

Tinubu traced Fasoranti’s enduring influence to his early commitment to education and public service, highlighting his academic accomplishments at the University of Ibadan, the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, and Maguire University in Sydney, Australia.

According to the president, Fasoranti’s impact on education is reflected in his years as a teacher and administrator, as well as in the schools he founded, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School, and St. Frances’ Academy.

Beyond education, the Nigerian leader said Fasoranti’s political life cemented his place in Nigeria’s history as one of the last surviving disciples of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a steadfast defender of progressive ideals.

“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 to the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic,” he declared.

Tinubu also recalled Fasoranti’s service as commissioner for finance in old Ondo State under the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin, praising his record of prudence and financial discipline.

“It is on record that his integrity and financial prudence helped manage the state’s finances,” the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader noted.

The president further celebrated Fasoranti’s courageous resistance to military dictatorship, describing him as one of the powerful voices that stood firmly for democracy during Nigeria’s dark years of military rule.

“Pa Fasoranti’s voice became one of the rallying voices against military dictatorship, demanding the return of democracy to the land,” he further disclosed.

Tinubu acknowledged the personal tragedies Fasoranti endured, including the death of his wife and the 2019 killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, saying the elder statesman has remained resilient despite painful losses.

Reflecting on his personal relationship with the Afenifere leader, Tinubu expressed profound gratitude for Fasoranti’s prayers and support during his presidential ambition.

“At the start of my campaign for the presidency, I visited Pa Fasoranti in Akure. Baba prayed for my electoral victory, saying he would live to witness my ascension to the presidency. God answered his prayer through my victory,” Tinubu revealed.

And, included, “I thank Baba for his prayers, his belief in my vision, and his continued support for our Renewed Hope Administration.”

Tinubu concluded by praying for more years for the elder statesman, whom he described as “the only recognised leader of Afenifere” and one of Nigeria’s most enduring moral voices.

“Above all, I thank Pa Fasoranti for his service to Nigeria,” the president rounded off.