Bamidele Greets Afenifere Leader at 99, Calls Him Defender of Yoruba Interest
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has celebrated an elder statesman and Leader of Afenifere Worldwide, Pa Reuben Fasoranti on his attainment of 99 years on the earth, thanking God for blessing him with a full ripe age and unfading memory.
Born in Uso, Ondo State, precisely on the 11th May 1926, Pa Fasoranti is a steadfast disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the leader of Yoruba’s foremost socio-cultural organisation, who devoted his life and times to the defence of Yoruba interest.
In a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday, Bamidele congratulated Pa Fasoranti on this occasion while reflecting on his dedication to public education, resolute political activism, resilience in the face of adversity and the pursuit of Yoruba interest.
Bamidele also reflected on how Pa Fasoranti singlehandedly established Akure High School as well as Omolere Nursery and Primary School after serving as the Principal of the prestigious Oyemekun Grammar School and Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School in the 1960s and 1970s.
“On behalf of all senators from Yoruba-speaking states, we celebrate the patriarch of Yorubaland, a true Omoluabi and an embodiment of humility, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti as we celebrate his remarkable attainment of 99 years on the land of the living.
“Pa Fasoranti embodies the Yoruba values of Omoluabi – honour, integrity, leadership and selflessness. This is evident in his contribution to the progressive administration of Pa Adekunle Ajasin in Ondo State. He eminently served in that administration as the Commissioner for Finance between 1979 and 1980 without any dent.
“He was among the pro-democracy advocates who fearlessly dared the late tyrant, Gen. Sani Abacha to protest against the reign of terror and demand the restoration of civil rule in Nigeria, an effort that culminated in the birth of the Fourth Republic on the 29th May 1999,” he said.
Bamidele noted that the establishment of the two schools no doubt pushed forward the frontiers of human development in Ondo State, which according to him, formed the core of the philosophy and programmes of the defunct Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria.
The senate leader noted that Pa Fasoranti “is an inspiration to the progressives in the South-west and beyond. We believe he will continue to be a source of inspiration to this generation and posterity given his records of stewardship in education and governance.
“As Pa Fasoranti now inches towards his centenary, we pray God Almighty will bless him with a longer life and keep him in perfect frame of mind as a symbol of unity for the entire descendants of Oduduwa.”
Directorate of Media and Public Affairs,
Office of the Leader of the Senate,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
11th May 2025.