Abiodun mourns Fasoranti at 100, calls him a defender of democracy
- Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun has condoled with Afenifere and Ondo State over the death of Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
- Abiodun said Fasoranti, who recently turned 100, fought for democracy during military rule.
- Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirmed the death in a statement on Tuesday.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has joined the mourning for Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader whose death was confirmed on Tuesday by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun said the loss would be felt well beyond Ondo State, describing Fasoranti as a national figure whose life was given to public service.
Fasoranti, who marked his 100th birthday shortly before his death, led Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group that has long pressed for restructuring and better governance in Nigeria.
Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors' Forum, sent his condolences to Afenifere, to Aiyedatiwa, to other Yoruba leaders and to the family and associates of the deceased.
A life in the democracy struggle
The governor recalled Fasoranti's part in the fight against military rule, saying his courage and sacrifices helped shape the country's political development. He described him as one of the last links to a generation of leaders who stood up to authoritarian governments and pushed for democratic freedoms.
According to the statement, Fasoranti never stopped speaking up for justice, fairness, good governance and restructuring, and his interventions in national affairs showed a commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria.
Abiodun said his death has left a gap in the Yoruba socio-political space, but added that his legacy would live on through the values he held and the Nigerians his example inspired.
He asked Afenifere, the people of Ondo State, the Yoruba nation and the bereaved family to find comfort in the long life Fasoranti lived and in what he gave to society, and prayed that God would grant him rest and give those he left behind the strength to bear the loss.
What happens next
Aiyedatiwa's statement confirming the death is the official word from Fasoranti's home state. Afenifere's voice on restructuring and national issues remains widely watched.
