Senior Citizens Series:
By Segun Fatuase
Pa Reuben Fasoranti chalks up accolades on Monday, May 11, 2026 as a grateful nation celebrates his role as an elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, prominent politician, and foremost Afenifere leader on his 100th birthday.
For sure, Baba deserves the honour, for not only surviving so many personal and political trials, situations and entanglements which consumed many otherwise weak souls , but for holding his head high through the storms and many decades to earn the respect of millions.
The ‘Omoluabi’ spirit (personable character) Pa Fasoranti embodies made Former Senate President Abubakar Olusola Saraki to state that the centenarian remains a worthy elder in a world full of scandal and controversies.
‘’ 100 years, and not a stain on his name. That alone is the tribute worth paying to the leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti. When the mantle of Afenifere fell to him, it came at a difficult time: a fragmented house, a country in flux, and a Yoruba political tradition that needed someone unbought to hold the centre. Baba held it firmly,’ Saraki noted.
Pa Fasoranti, , born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, South West, Nigeria , embodies the spirit of the UN principles of respected elder persons/ senior citizens, particularly as they relate to independence , self-fulfilment, and dignity . As a senior citizen of note, the respect accorded him cuts across the socio-political divide and places him on a pedestal, rare in this clime.
An effusive President Bola Tinubu, in his birthday message, describes Pa Fasoranti as a dogged defender of Yoruba rights and a worthy icon. In his view, ‘’ Baba Fasoranti deserves all the encomiums that will come his way on this occasion for his uncommon life of service and immense contributions to this country.
‘’Pa Fasoranti has distinguished himself in all respects: in his disciplined, spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes. His life is a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership.
‘’Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, emerged as a prominent figure in Nigerian society, embodying the principles of service, integrity, and leadership found in traditional Yoruba values of Omoluabi. His life journey serves as a compelling narrative of dedication to education, unwavering political activism, and resilience in the face of adversity,’’ Tinubu added.
The National Assembly South West Caucus comprising all federal lawmakers from the South-west, notes that Pa Fasoranti’s expectations for “a truly recalibrated federal governance are gradually coming to fruition.”
Chairman of the Caucus and Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in his tribute, says Pa Fasoranti remains one of the last surviving disciples of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and an embodiment of humility who fought valiantly for the birth of the Fourth Republic.
According to Bamidele, “Baba Fasoranti perfectly embodies the Yoruba values of Omoluabi – honour, integrity, leadership and selflessness. In the Second Republic for instance, he served without any dent, in the Government of Pa Adekunle Ajasin to deliver greater goods for the people of old Ondo State.
“He was also one of the loudest voices that fearlessly spoke against the reign of dictators after the Second Republic and ceaselessly demanded the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria, an effort that culminated in the birth of the Fourth Republic on the 29th May 1999.
“While Baba is still alive, we enacted legislations that created regional development commissions in the spirit of collective prosperity. Now at the stage of taking off fully, the commissions were created to address infrastructure deficits in each of the geo-political zones and drive real development in all parts of the federation.
We have also created an efficient fiscal regime that will support the seamless implementation of all these initiatives that promise a better and greater Nigeria.
“As Baba lives on by God’s matchless grace, he will witness more pro-people initiatives that quench his thirst for an equitable, fair and just Nigeria. This is a pledge we are determined to achieve, possibly in the lifetime of Pa Fasoranti,” Bamidele concluded.
The resounding message as Pa Reuben Fasoranti joins the league of centenarians is that he will enjoy many more years in good health and sound mind.