— Things getting worst

— Tinubu should restructure Nigeria

— Fasoranti, an extraordinary personality- Mimiko

—- He’s a reference point for quality leadership- Akeredolu

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

National leader of the Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has lamented that the present state of Nigeria wasn’t the dreams of many Nigerians both old and young.

Pa Fasoranti, who clocked 97, yesterday, spoke with newsmen at his country home in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

According to him ” I feel fulfilled, at 97. I have seen it all, I’ve seen the worst and i have seen the best. I lost my wife, i lost my daughter, she was shot dead but generally i have to thank God for everything.

“This is not the Nigeria of my dream, no. Things are getting worst, we only hope those we are leaving behind will try and do their best because what we are seeing now is not good for the country at all.

“My expectations from the incoming government are many but i want the government to give priority to unemployment, insecurity.

“People are not gainfully employed and getting worst everyday and i hope government will try and look into it and the security of the land.

“The government should also look into the restructuring of the country and I hope the new President will do it.

** Fasoranti, an extraordinary personality- Mimiko

Former governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has described the 97 year old Pa Fasoranti, as an extraordinary personality.

Speaking with newsmen at the country home of the Yoruba leader, Dr Mimiko said that “Baba is a leader in Akure community; he is a notable leader in his church, and everybody attests to that.

” Presently, he is the leader of Afenifere, the foremost socio-political organisation of one of the most notable ethno nationalities in the black race, and by that, he is therefore the Yoruba leader.

“This is a man created to be a leader. A leader in the church, a leader in the community, a leader in his ethnic nationality, and a leader at home.

” Baba is someone who has taught us how to lead. He listens very well; he aggregates views and comes out with very enlightened opinions, and we all queue behind him, so we have a lot of respect for him.

” He also teaches us how to live with humility and class. And also, this is a man who has taught us how to handle personal tragedy. He’s an extraordinary personality

“What else do you have to say other than thank God for his life? I pray to God that we will all be here to celebrate his centenary; we will all be looking forward to it, and I pray to God Almighty that even in his lifetime he will see progress in Nigeria.

“Behind his heart, he is very concerned about Nigeria. He hates poverty; he wants this country to develop; he wants Nigeria to fulfill its destiny.

** Akeredolu describes Fasoranti as a reference point for quality leadership

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, described Fasoranti, as a reference point for quality leadership.

Akeredolu, said “Pa Fasoranti is a committed and patriotic Nigerian whose passion and dedication to nation-building and national development is undisputable.

According to the Governor, despite his old age, the nonagenarian statesman is still committed to the nation’s democratic development and gains.

“Pa Fasoranti is our pride in Yorubaland. He is a leader and father of our race. We embrace his tenets and steadfastness. His passion for the development and progress of the country is commendable.

“Despite old age, Pa Fasoranti has continued to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our land and the country. He is not just a Yoruba leader; his foresight, commitment, and unwavering faith in humanity are unrivalled.

“Baba’s experience and advice are most desirable. He has navigated, over the years, the political terrain of our country. His wisdom, high moral value, and beliefs are essential guides for desired development. “

Akeredolu also rejoiced with Pa Fasonrati for witnessing the return of the nation’s Presidency to the Southwest, praying God to give him good health and peace of mind to partake in the joy of ‘Renewed Hope’ that accompanies the new regime.

** He epitomizes what Obafemi Awolowo to epitomised for us- Omololu

The National Organizing Committee, Abagun Kole Omololu, said that ” l didn’t have the opportunity of being very close to Obafemi Awolowo, and now I have the privilege of being close to this man (Fasoranti), who epitomizes what Obafemi Awolowo as the second Oduduwa epitomised for us, humbleness, service for community before self, egalitarian society for everybody, a leader that listens to all the members before he takes a decision.

“These are the kinds of things I love about Baba Fasoranti. I want to be above 97 and be agile, without sickness, with the grace that God has given him (Fasoranti).

“There is a difference between this man and the lords. I have the opportunity to be with some lords of the United Kingdom, people who belong to the House of Lords through Chief MKO Abiola. And then I saw the way they behaved. They are men of virtue and honour. This is what Baba Fasoranti represents; there is no difference.

• Fasoranti, leader worth emulating – Ondo Afenifere

The Egbe Afenifere in Ondo state has described the Leader of Pan Yoruba Organization, Chief Fasoranti as an embodiment of sincerity, honesty, hardwork and honour that is worth emulating for the development of the country.

A statement jointly signed by the Afenifere Ondo state chairman, Chief Korede Duyile and Secretary,Comrade Eric Oluwole, described him as a clove associate and confidant of the late sage , Chief Obafemi Awolowo recalling Chief Fasooranti’s contributions to the development of his immediate community.

They said that he contributed “immensely towards the Liberation struggles in the that ushered in Nigeria’s independence from the colonial rule.

The statement recounted Chief Fasooranti’s contributions to human developments as a teacher, proprietor, politician as well as community and national leadership over several decades, adding that in all of these , he has never been found wanting

It added that although Chief Fasoranti was confronted with numerous challenges in the course of serving the people, the Almighty God has His compensation for him by bestowing on him good life and longevity.

• Fasoranti remains a pride of yoruba- Oyo council of Obas, Chiefs
  The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, has said that the national leader of the Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere,Pa Reuben Fasoranti, remained a pride to the Yoruba race.

Deputy chairman of the council, the Olugbon of Orile lgbon, Oba Francis Alao, said this in a letter to the elder statesman who turned 97 today.

Oba Alao said that ” We join millions of Yoruba sons and daughters and lovers of Nigeria in congratulating the Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as he attains the age of 97 years on Thursday May 11, 2023.

“As a Nigerian, Pa Fasoranti contributed his own quota to the development of the country through political, governance and community leadership.

“As the Yoruba leader, he invested himself in ideas and activities geared towards the progress and well-being of the Yoruba nation.

“Pa Fasoranti has remained constant in promoting democratic ideals, and sustaining the Omoluabi ethos as he leads by example in grooming new generation of national and community leaders.

“He has proved, over decades, that true leadership is possible; and that true leaders are servants to those they lead because national and community interest is the priority in all considerations.

“For example, Pa Fasoranti turned down the offer of Ondo State governorship ticket by the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1998, saying he needed to attend to his children being a widower.

” Fasoranti is in the ilk of men and women who attain greatness through selflessness, commitment to nation building and unparalleled love for community development.

“He is the current Afenifere Leader with candour and pedigree.

Oba Alao said that “On this occasion of your 97th birthday, I pray God to be more gracious to you, and grant you longer life in sound and perfect health. Happy 97th birthday to an outstanding Yoruba son and generational leader. End

• He’s a living legend – Monarch

The lresi of Osi, in Akure North council area of the state, Oba Olajide Okunato, in his congratulatory message, described Fasoranti as a living legend in yorubaland who commands so much respect from both the old and younger generations

Oba Okunato also eulogised the Afenifere leader as a very courageous and strong personality who enjoys special grace from Almighty God.

“He is my ‘Baba Oba’ and my leader that I follow his lifestyle; very straightforward and courageous man

“Whenever I have challenges as an Oba of my town, I run to him, and he will give me ways out, share experiences with me, and encourage me to be strong always.

“As old as Baba, he visited my palace several times i visit Baba regularly too and tell me many things about leadership tasks.

“For me and my kingdom we cherish him so much and we pray Lord to grant him,” Oba Okunato.

The Monarch said Fasoranti is a colossus in the fields of education and politics whose contributions to yoruba race and humanity at large would for ever remain a source of inspiration and pride of Ondo State and Nigeria at large.

Iresi of Osi charged other yoruba leaders and the political class to continually emulate unblemished attributes of Baba Fasoranti.