Akande mourns Fasoranti, says Yoruba nation has lost moral compass
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Ayodele Akande, has described the death of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, as a monumental loss to Ondo State, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
Akande, who stated this during a condolence visit to the residence of the late elder statesman in Akure, said Fasoranti’s death marked the end of an era defined by integrity, courage, selfless service and commitment to democratic governance.
The centenarian died on October 20, 2026, aged 100, months after celebrating his 100th birthday on May 11.
Received by members of the family, led by the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, the commissioner said he received the news of the elder statesman’s death with profound shock but submitted to the will of God.
He described the deceased as more than a leader of Afenifere, saying he was a father figure, distinguished educationist, statesman and moral compass whose life was devoted to the advancement of education, public service and the struggle for democracy.
“Baba Fasoranti lived a fulfilled life. His 100 years were marked by impact, integrity and courage. He was a great educationist who established schools, a principled politician who served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under Chief Adekunle Ajasin, and a fearless pro-democracy activist who stood firmly for justice and true federalism,” Akande said.
He lamented that Ondo State had lost one of its most respected voices of wisdom and guidance, noting that the late leader’s residence in Akure had remained a source of counsel on issues affecting the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
“For us in the Ondo State Government, we have lost a father and a towering moral voice. Whenever guidance was needed on issues affecting Yorubaland and Nigeria, Baba was always available to offer fatherly counsel. His death has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” he said.
Akande also described Fasoranti as a committed disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose ideals of free education, good governance and service to humanity shaped his political philosophy and public life.
The commissioner said the late elder statesman’s contributions to community development and education would remain an enduring part of his legacy.
He cited the establishment of Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances Academy as evidence of Fasoranti’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and investing in the future of younger generations.
Akande said the late Afenifere leader’s dedication to education and grassroots development would continue to inspire public officials and community leaders.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure, the Afenifere family worldwide and the Ondo State Government the strength to bear the loss.
The commissioner also extended his condolences to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Secretary to the State Government and the people of Ondo State, describing Fasoranti as a pillar of support whose counsel and moral authority would be sorely missed.
“On behalf of my family and the Ministry of Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, I extend my condolences to the Fasoranti family, Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Afenifere family and the entire Yoruba nation.
“May Baba’s gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy of honour, integrity and service continue to inspire generations to come,” he said.
The commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Princess Victoria Adetoye.
