Leader of Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on Thursday, said this was not the Nigeria of his dreams but said with collective sacrifice and restructuring of the country, a great Nigeria is possible.
Fasoranti who stated this while speaking during the celebration of his 97th birthday in Akure, Ondo state capital, described his being alive as the benevolence of God over his life, just as he declared that he is fulfilled.
The Afenifere leader said “I feel fulfilled, I have seen it all, I’ve seen the worst and I have seen the best. I lost my wife, I lost my daughter, she was shot dead but generally, I have to thank God for everything”
Speaking about the country, he said “This is not the Nigeria of my dream. No. Things are getting worst, we only hope those we are leaving behind will try and do their best because what we are seeing now is not good for the country at all.
“The government should also look towards the restructuring of the country and I hope the new President will look into this and do it.”
While speaking on his expectations of the new government to be inaugurated on 29th May 2023, Fasoranti said “My expectations from the incoming government are many but i want the government to give priority to unemployment and security of lives and properties.
“People are not gainfully employed and this is getting worst everyday and I hope the government will try and look into this and the issue of security of the land”
The state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, while congratulating the elder statesman described him as a reference point for quality leadership with his impeccable service to the nation, and a committed and patriotic Nigerian whose passion and dedication to nation-building and national development is indisputable.
Akeredolu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, noted that despite Fasooranti’s old age, the nonagenarian statesman is still committed to the nation’s democratic development and gains.
“Pa Fasoranti is our pride in Yorubaland. He is a leader and father of our race. We embrace his tenets and steadfastness. His passion for the development and progress of the country is commendable.
“Despite old age, Pa Fasoranti has continued to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our land and the country. He is not just a Yoruba leader; his foresight, commitment, and unwavering faith in humanity are unrivalled.
“Baba’s experience and advice are most desirable. He has navigated, over the years, the political terrain of our country. His wisdom, high moral value, and beliefs are essential guides for desired development. “ the statement reads.
The Governor rejoiced with Fasonrati for witnessing the return of the nation’s Presidency to the Southwest, praying to God to give him good health and peace of mind to partake in the joy of ‘Renewed Hope’ that accompanies the new regime.
Former Governor Olusegun Mimiko described Fasoranti as an extraordinary personality created to be a leader who teaches leaders how to lead.
Mimiko said: Baba is a leader in Akure community; he is a notable leader in his church, and everybody attests to that. Presently, he is the leader of Afenifere, the foremost socio-political organisation of one of the most notable ethnonationalities in the black race, and by that, he is therefore the Yoruba leader.
This is a man created to be a leader. A leader in the church, a leader in the community, a leader in his ethnic nationality, and a leader at home. Baba is someone who has taught us how to lead.
“He listens very well; he aggregates views and comes out with very enlightened opinions, and we all queue behind him, so we have a lot of respect for him.
“Baba also teaches us how to live with humility and class. And also, this is a man who has taught us how to handle personal tragedy. What else do you have to say other than thank God for his life?
“I pray to God that we will all be here to celebrate his centenary; we will all be looking forward to it, and I pray to God Almighty that even in his lifetime he will see progress in Nigeria.
“Behind his heart, he is very concerned about Nigeria. He hates poverty; he wants this country to develop; he wants Nigeria to fulfil its destiny”
The Organising Committee of the group, Abagun Kole Omololu said, “Fasoranti epitomizes what Obafemi Awolowo as the second Oduduwa epitomised for us: humbleness, service for the community before self, egalitarian society for everybody, a leader that listens to all the members before he takes a decision. These are the kinds of things I love about Baba Fasoranti.
Throughout my stay in the United Kingdom, I didn’t have the opportunity of being very close to Obafemi Awolowo, and now I have the privilege of being close to this man
“There is a difference between this man and the lords. I have the opportunity to be with some lords of the United Kingdom, people who belong to the House of Lords through Chief MKO Abiola and then I saw the way they behaved. They are men of virtue and honour. This is what Baba Fasoranti represents; there is no difference”
Also, the Deputy Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, congratulated Fasoranti, saying the Nonagenarian has contributed his own quota to the development of the country through political, governance and community leadership.
He said Fasoranti as the Yoruba leader, invested himself in ideas and activities geared towards the progress and well-being of the Yoruba nation.
The monarch said “Pa Fasoranti has remained constant in promoting democratic ideals, and sustaining the Omoluabi ethos as he leads by example in grooming new generation of national and community leaders.
“He has proved, over decades, that true leadership is possible; and that true leaders are servants to those they lead because national and community interest is the priority in all considerations.
“Fasoranti is in the ilk of men and women who attain greatness through selflessness, commitment to nation building and unparalleled love for community development. He is the current Afenifere leader with candour and pedigree.
“On this occasion of your 97th birthday, I pray God to be more gracious to you, and grant you longer life in sound and perfect health. Happy 97th birthday to an outstanding Yoruba son and generational leader”
The traditional ruler of Osi community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state, the Iresi Of Osi Kingdom, Oba Olajide David Okunato, described Fasoranti as a living legend in yorubaland who commands so much respect from both the old and younger generations.
The Monarch also eulogised the Afenifere leader as courageous and strong personality who enjoys special grace from Almighty God, said “he is my ‘Baba Oba’ and my leader that I follow his lifestyle; very straightforward and courageous man
“Whenever I have challenges as an Oba of my town, I run to him, and he will give me ways share experiences with me, and encourage me to be strong always.
“As old as Baba, he visited my palace several times and I visit him regularly too and tell me many things about leadership tasks.For me and my kingdom we cherish him so much and we pray Lord to grant him,” Oba Okunato.
The Monarch said Fasoranti is a colossus in the fields of education and politics whose contributions to yoruba race and humanity at large would for ever remain a source of inspiration and pride of Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
