Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has described the death of Afenifere national leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, at the age of 100 as a great loss to Nigeria, saying the country has lost a patriot of exceptional standing.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks in a condolence statement he personally signed on Tuesday.
He described Fasoranti as a statesman of uncommon integrity who consistently placed national interest above personal and sectional considerations.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, CFR, the foremost leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere,” the statement read.
“The late centenarian was a patriot par excellence, a statesman of uncommon integrity who consistently placed national interest far above personal or sectional considerations.”
The Senate Leader noted that Fasoranti made significant contributions to Nigeria through his work as an educationist, school administrator and community leader, impacting generations of Nigerians.
He said the late elder statesman would be remembered for his principled convictions, selflessness and commitment to true federalism, national unity and progress.
Bamidele also described Fasoranti as one of the last surviving Awoists and a link between the politics of the First Republic and the Fourth Republic.
According to him, the deceased remained a custodian of the progressive ideals championed by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“His wise counsel, moral authority and stabilising voice will be sorely missed at this critical period in our national life,” he said.
Bamidele extended his condolences, on behalf of his family, constituents and the Senate, to the Fasoranti family, the people of Ondo State, Afenifere and the Yoruba nation.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and asked God to grant his family and associates the strength to bear the loss.
