‎Fasoranti Lived Through History With Integrity Intact, Says Tinubu

‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday poured fulsome encomium on elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, describing his century-long life as one defined by unwavering integrity, sacrifice, and commitment to justice.

‎Tinubu, who was represented by his vice, Kashim Shettima, made the remarks during the centenary birthday celebration held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, in honour of the nonagenarian, who clocked 100
years.

‎He said Fasoranti stood out as one of the rare Nigerians who did not merely witness history but actively participated in shaping it, consistently guided by principle rather than convenience.

‎According to him, the Afenifere leader “lived through history with integrity intact,” adding that his life remained a moral reference point for public service and leadership in Nigeria.

‎The President noted that Fasoranti’s life journey spanned colonial rule, Nigeria’s independence, military regimes, and democratic governance, yet he remained steadfast in his advocacy for justice and unity.

‎He praised the elder statesman for consistently giving voice to the voiceless, saying he rejected silence in the face of injustice and chose the difficult path of speaking truth to power.

‎He said, “Chief Fasoranti stands out because he has been a long-standing witness to history and because he never watched history from the safety of the pavilion.

‎”He saw Nigeria in its infancy. He saw her hopes rise, her dreams wounded, her institutions tested, and her democracy reborn. Through all of these, he remained a steadfast voice for the dignity of his people and for the unity of this nation on the basis of justice.

‎”He lent his voice to caution us against oppression, he understood that peace without fairness is a fragile peace, and that unity without justice only postpones grievance. On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I thank you for your service to the nation.”

‎In his own centenary address, Fasoranti expressed gratitude to God for sustaining him for 100 years, describing his life as one guided by faith, discipline, and service to humanity.

‎The elder statesman urged Nigerians to return to values of integrity, discipline, and unity, warning that no nation can thrive without justice and mutual respect.

‎He also called for renewed unity within Afenifere, stressing that division weakens collective purpose and undermines the struggle for the advancement of the Yoruba people and Nigeria at large

‎”100 years is a long journey. I have seen colonial rule. I have seen independence. I have seen war and peace. I have seen the military and democracy. Through it all, one thing has sustained me: the fear of God, hard guy q work, and service to others.

‎”At this moment in our history, my heart’s desire is that Afenifere, the house we built together for the Yoruba people, remains one. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Let us put aside differences, forgive one another, and speak with one voice for our people. Unity is our strength, and disunity is our downfall,” Fasonranti said.

‎Also speaking, the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the event was not just a celebration of age but of a life that has become a moral legacy to society, noting that Fasoranti’s 100 years represent honour, service, and conviction.

‎Aiyedatiwa said Fasoranti stands among rare leaders whose lives define the moral character of their era, adding that he remained steadfast through changing political seasons, guided by principle rather than personal interest.

‎He noted that the elder statesman, who lived through colonial rule, independence, military governance, and democracy, remained consistent in his advocacy for truth and justice, with a quiet but firm commitment to conscience.

‎The governor added that Fasoranti’s life teaches that true greatness is not measured by wealth or power, but by character and impact, describing him as a moral compass whose legacy will continue to guide future generations