Lagos State Governor and Chairman of South-West Governors Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated Pa Fasoranti on his centenary birthday celebration.

Sanwo-Olu described Pa Fasoranti as a committed leader and one of the tested and trusted surviving disciples of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, worthy of celebration for his contribution to the development of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

Sanwo-Olu, in the congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described Pa Fasoranti as a committed, respected, and passionate leader whose work, particularly in education, leadership, and public service, remained indelible.

He said Pa Fasoranti, as a courageous and uncompromised elder statesman, had made a positive impact in the lives of many people as a Yoruba leader. He commended the centenarian’s commitment to community development. 

The governor stated, “Papa Fasoranti has made a lot of positive impact in Yorubaland and has done great exploits as the Leader of Afenifere by steering the ship of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation in the right direction.

“He has devoted and committed himself to the Nigeria Project since his active years. We cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism, and good governance, which he has championed and fought for many decades. 

“The people of the South-West of Nigeria are proud to celebrate Baba Reuben Fasoranti’s centenary birthday because it is not everybody that is blessed to attain that old age in great health and sound mind, but it has pleased God to preserve Baba to celebrate 100. 

“As Pa Reuben Fasoranti celebrates his centenary birthday, I pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with good health, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in his old age.”

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abjodun, joined dignitaries and admirers across Nigeria to celebrate elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

In a tribute personally signed by him, Abjodun described the centenarian as a symbol of patriotism, democratic ideals, and principled leadership, whose contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution remained indelible.

The governor stated that Pa Fasoranti, born in Akure a century ago, had distinguished himself as a teacher, school administrator, politician and advocate of good governance.

According to the governor, Pa Fasoranti remains one of Nigeria’s foremost voices for democracy, federalism, and restructuring, having played active roles in the country’s pro-democracy struggles alongside nationalist leaders, such as Obafemi Awolowo.

He said the Afenifere leader endured persecution and hardship during the military era but remained steadfast in his conviction that democratic governance represented the best path for Nigeria’s growth and unity.

Abiodun described the elder statesman as “a national treasure” whose counsel and moral authority continued to inspire leaders across generations.

“The government and people of Ogun State celebrate Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti at 100 and pray that Almighty God grants him many more fruitful years in good health and peace,” the statement read.

JKF: Reaching 100 Years is Divine Blessing 

Former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, joined family, friends, associates, compatriots, and countless admirers across Nigeria and the world in celebrating Pa Fasoranti.

Fayemi said in a tribute, “Reaching the age of one hundred is itself a rare divine blessing; attaining it with such dignity, and enduring relevance to national life is even  more remarkable. 

“Baba’s life represents a century of sacrifice, courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice, good governance, and the advancement of the Yoruba people within a united, democratic Nigeria.”

The former governor stated, “Personally, Baba Fasoranti has been much more than a revered leader of Afenifere. He has been a father figure, teacher, mentor, counselor, and moral compass. 

“Over the years, I have benefitted immensely from his wisdom, encouragement, and steadfast belief in principled leadership. In moments of political uncertainty and national turbulence, Baba remained one of those rare voices whose convictions never shifted with convenience. 

“His guidance has consistently reinforced the values of courage, moderation, discipline, and service to the people. Chief Fasoranti’s lifelong commitment to education and human development is evidenced in his enduring legacies in education and incredible impact on all of us who were privileged to be his students.” 

Fayemi added, “He remained a father figure and moral compass to us till date. As a young man, Chief Fasoranti knew early the value of education, he graduated from the then University College Ibadan (now University of Ibadan), acquired a post graduate certificate in Education and a Master’s degree in Education Administration and School Management from the University of Hull, United Kingdom and Maguire University, Australia, respectively.”

Deji Elumoye and James Sowole