Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Former Ondo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), has described the death of renowned Yoruba leader and Afenifere elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
Jegede said the late Fasoranti, who died on October 20, 2026, at the age of 100, lived an exemplary life defined by service, transparency, humility, courage and selflessness.
In a condolence message issued following the elder statesman’s death, Jegede said Fasoranti occupied a special place in the history of the Yoruba people, having provided principled leadership and helped preserve the race’s cultural heritage and cherished values.
He described the late centenarian as a moral compass whose contributions helped shape the developmental journey of the Yoruba people and the country at large.
According to Jegede, Fasoranti’s commitment to the public good and his unwavering adherence to principles distinguished him as one of the respected voices in the political and socio-cultural affairs of the Yoruba nation.
He noted that the deceased consistently stood as the conscience of the Yoruba race, offering guidance and leadership at critical moments while upholding the values that define the people’s identity.
“Papa Fasoranti was a distinguished Nigerian whose exemplary life was defined by service, transparency, humility, courage and selflessness,” Jegede said.
The former governorship candidate further described the late Afenifere leader as a proud custodian of Yoruba heritage and a community leader whose influence transcended his immediate environment.
Jegede said Fasoranti’s life of sacrifice, integrity and dedication to the advancement of society had left an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
He expressed sympathy with the deceased’s immediate family, the people of Akure, the Afenifere family, the Yoruba nation and Nigerians over the painful loss.
While acknowledging the grief occasioned by the elder statesman’s departure, Jegede urged the bereaved family and the wider Yoruba community to draw strength from his remarkable life and the enduring impact of his contributions to society.
He said the privilege of witnessing Fasoranti’s long and impactful journey to the age of 100 remained a source of consolation amid the mourning.
Jegede prayed for the continued repose of the late elder statesman’s soul, stressing that his passing would be deeply felt by those who cherished his counsel, values and commitment to the collective good.
“We take solace in Papa’s impactful life, the enduring legacy he leaves behind and the privilege of having witnessed his remarkable journey to a ripe old age,” he said.
He added that Fasoranti would be sorely missed by his family, the Yoruba nation and all those who drew inspiration from his exemplary life.