Akure — Hon. Toyin Anibire aka Obailukan, Founder and Convener of Obailukan Strategic Support Group for Atiku (OSSAT), has mourned the passing of Afenifere National Leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday and made available to newsmen, Obailukan, who is a proud son of Ondo State, said he received the news of Baba’s passing with deep emotion and compassion.
According to him, at 100 years, the departure of Pa Fasoranti is not a rude shock, but the glorious completion of a century of impactful, honourable and selfless service to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“Baba lived well, served well and has gone to rest. We cannot weep excessively for a man who lived so fully and left such indelible footprints. However, we will surely miss him, for he was a beloved leader of the Yoruba race and our father in Ondo State,” Obailukan said.
Obailukan described Pa Fasoranti as more than the National Leader of Afenifere, noting that he was a father to all sons and daughters of Ondo State.
He recalled that the late elder statesman, born on May 11, 1926 in Uso, Owo area of Ondo State, rose from a humble “village boy” to become a renowned educationist who established schools including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances Academy, Igoba.
He also served as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State, was a NADECO hero who fought for democracy, and remained a loyal disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo till the end.
Obailukan noted that Pa Fasoranti lived through colonial rule, independence, military regimes and democracy, and remained principled throughout, with his house in Akure serving as a home of wisdom for presidents, governors and ordinary citizens.
He aligned with the tribute by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who described the late nonagenarian as “a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service.”
Obailukan expressed deep sympathy with the Fasoranti family, the people of Uso and Owo Kingdom, the Deji of Akure and Akure Kingdom, the leadership of Afenifere, the Government and people of Ondo State, and the entire Yoruba nation.
He prayed that God grants the family and the state the fortitude to bear the transition.
“Sun re o, Baba wa. You lived 100 glorious years. Your legacy will live forever,” he added.
Signed: Comrade James Onifade
Media Executive to Hon. Toyin Anibire Adams aka Obailukan
Founder and Convener, Obailukan Strategic Support Group for Atiku (OSSAT)
