Tinubu Hails Fasoranti at 100, Says His Legacy Transcends Yoruba Race

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on his 100th birthday, describing the elder statesman’s contributions to democracy and nation-building as a legacy that transcends the Yoruba race.

Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, spoke in Lagos on Friday at a centenary lecture organised by Afenifere to honour Fasoranti.

The lecture, titled “The Future of Democracy in Nigeria and Its Implications for Yoruba People,” brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, academics and other dignitaries to celebrate the centenarian and reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Gbajabiamila described Fasoranti as a foremost Yoruba leader and a pillar of Yoruba democracy and culture, but stressed that his contributions should be viewed from a broader national perspective.

“He is a foremost Yoruba leader. Yes, he is a pillar of Yoruba democracy and culture.

“But the life and talents of Pa Fasoranti cannot be limited to the Yoruba race. That would be doing the greatest disservice to his legacy, his works and his contributions to Nigerian democracy.

“He is bigger than us. He is bigger than one race. He is Pan-Nigerian,” he said.

Gbajabiamila said Nigeria’s democratic history would be incomplete without acknowledging Fasoranti’s contributions, describing his name as indelibly written in the country’s political history.

“The story of Nigeria’s democracy can never be written without his name playing a prominent role. The name is indelible,” he said.

He conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to Fasoranti for his decades of contributions to nation-building and the counsel he had offered successive leaders over the years.

Gbajabiamila also recalled a meeting between Tinubu and Fasoranti at the Presidential Villa, describing the encounter as an emotional and symbolic moment.

According to him, the meeting was particularly significant because Fasoranti had the opportunity to sit across from a Nigerian President of Yoruba extraction in the Presidential office.

Gbajabiamila prayed for the centenarian to enjoy more years of good health and wisdom, assuring him that the younger generation would continue to benefit from his wealth of experience.

“We will continue to drink from your fountain of knowledge,” he said.

Fasoranti, who turned 100 on May 11, is one of the longest-serving leaders of Afenifere and a prominent figure in Yoruba political and cultural affairs.

Chairman of the Afenifere National Executive Committee, Oba Olu Falae, said the celebration was not merely about Fasoranti’s longevity but about the values he had consistently demonstrated throughout his life.

“We are not here to celebrate mere longevity; we are here to celebrate those values that set him apart, that made him exemplary to all of us,” Falae said.

He described Fasoranti as peaceful, accommodating, loyal and consistent, noting his enduring commitment to the values he holds dear.

Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who chaired the occasion, commended the dignitaries and members of the Yoruba political community who travelled from different parts of the country to honour the elder statesman.

Osoba also highlighted Fasoranti’s role in the evolution of the Yoruba political movement and its contribution to the emergence of the All Progressives Congress.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described attaining the age of 100 as a remarkable feat, noting that Fasoranti remained active and deeply interested in public affairs.

“To be 100 is not a small feat. God has spared his life. Not only that, Baba is still very, very active,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor described Fasoranti as part of a diminishing generation of Nigerian patriots whose lives demonstrate that leadership goes beyond occupying public office to accepting responsibility and standing by principles.

“Chief Fasoranti belongs to that diminishing generation of Nigerian patriots, whose lives remind us that leadership is not merely occupying public office, but assuming responsibility,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa added: “True statesmanship is the capacity to hold firmly to principles even when convenience beckons in another direction.”

He said Fasoranti’s contributions had spanned education, community leadership, democratic advocacy and the preservation of Yoruba cultural and political identity.

Representing Ekiti State Governor, Abayomi Oyebanji, the Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro, urged younger Nigerians to translate the wisdom and lessons of the older generation into action.

She called for inclusive governance, stronger democratic institutions, peaceful political engagement and leadership focused on the welfare of the people.

The event was attended by former governors Niyi Adebayo and Olusegun Mimiko; Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Health, Iziaq Salako; former Senator Iyiola Omisore; and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, among others.

Professor Ropo Sekoni and Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu delivered papers at the lecture, which examined Nigeria’s democratic future and its implications for the Yoruba people.

The gathering ultimately celebrated Fasoranti not only for reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 years but also for his decades of public service, political engagement, democratic advocacy and commitment to nation-building.