FASONRANTI AT 99: YOU ARE A SYMBOL OF PATRIOTISM AND INTEGRITY — AIYEDATIWA HAILS AFENIFERE LEADER
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FASONRANTI AT 99:
YOU ARE A SYMBOL OF PATRIOTISM AND INTEGRITY — AIYEDATIWA HAILS AFENIFERE LEADER
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has described Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti as a rare symbol of patriotism, courage and integrity, whose life of selfless service has become a guiding light for generations of Nigerians.
He made the remarks on Saturday in Akure during the second edition of the Chief Reuben Fasoranti Public Service Lecture, organised by the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Ondo State Chapter, in commemoration of the elder statesman’s 99th birthday.
Speaking at the Multi-Purpose Auditorium of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa extolled the virtues of the Afenifere leader, saying his life reflects the very essence of the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos.
“What we are celebrating here today is not just the number. It is not just the years in the life of an icon and one of the brightest lights of our country, Nigeria, but the life in the years and journey of an elder statesman and an exemplary personality who has exemplified service, courage, conviction and devotion to humanity throughout his life,” the governor said.
The governor said it was no surprise that a public lecture was chosen to mark Chief Fasoranti’s 99th birthday, noting his longstanding contributions to education, culture and leadership in Nigeria.
“Pa Fasoranti is definitely a brand which stands for patriotism, courage, resilience, contentment and selflessness,” he declared.
Reflecting on the theme of the lecture — “Wanted: A Strong and United Yoruba Race as Panacea for Reviving the Vanishing Yoruba Values and Culture” — Governor Aiyedatiwa described it as timely and deeply thought-provoking. He warned against the steady decline of cultural values among the Yoruba people and called for a concerted effort to preserve their heritage.
“We must recognise the significance of our traditions, customs and values in shaping our identity and informing our actions. As a people, we cannot afford to deviate from this noble trajectory,” he said.
“We must embark on cultural education by promoting awareness and appreciation of Yoruba culture, history and values among our youth. It is also important to engage in intergenerational dialogue between elders and youth to preserve knowledge and values.”
“As a government in Ondo State, we are committed to promoting our cultural heritage, supporting initiatives that preserve and promote Yoruba culture, arts and traditions. We are empowering the youth by providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow and contribute to our cultural revival.”
“On behalf of the government and good people of Ondo State, I say happy 99th birthday to Pa Fasoranti! May your life be celebrated even more, and your legacy continue to inspire us all,” he added.
In his lecture on “A Strong and United Yoruba Race as Panacea for Reviving Vanishing Yoruba Values and Culture”, former Governor of Ogun State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, noted that the Yoruba people place a high premium on good conduct, behaviour and attitude, adding that Nigeria’s current social and cultural situation reveals a deep ethical crisis. He said, “Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources, rich cultures, and a vibrant population, the country, over several decades, has continued to grapple with progressive moral decay, corruption and systemic dysfunction.”
He explained that the concept of Omoluabi represents a comprehensive ethical framework that emphasises integrity, responsibility and communal harmony among the Yoruba, noting that the revival of the Omoluabi ethos offers a culturally grounded and philosophically robust avenue for fostering national rebirth in Nigeria.
He revealed that Afenifere remains the most prominent organisation in Yorubaland to date, stating that it emerged from the political movement around Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Action Group in the 1950s, articulating a vision of governance rooted in justice, accountability and the welfare of the people.
He said that to build a Nigeria that works for all, cultural and ethical rebirth and economic progress need not be pursued in isolation. He called on Afenifere to reach out to like-minded groups across the country, help in the process of consensus-building and see how the outcome can be translated into tangible political realities.
While congratulating Papa Fasoranti on the momentous occasion, he prayed for good health so that Nigerians can continue to benefit from his wealth of wisdom, grace and experience.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Ondo State Branch, Mr Yinka Akinola, described Chief Fasoranti as an alumnus truly worth celebrating—a man whose life embodies academic excellence, moral strength and selfless service to society.
Chief host of the event, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, reflected on a time when external influences threatened to erode Yoruba values, saying it was leaders like Fasoranti who stood firm in defence of the culture and identity now being proudly upheld.
He called on alumni of higher institutions to brainstorm in order to proffer solutions to the challenges confronting the Yoruba race.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, represented by the institution’s Registrar, Mr Ganiyu Saliu, extended the university’s deep appreciation to the nonagenarian, stressing that every society thrives on the strength of individuals like Fasoranti who embody its ideals and preserve its legacy.
Chairman of the event, Prof Williams Aderounmu, praised the celebrant for his unwavering commitment to principled leadership and community development, adding that Chief Fasoranti is deserving of a Yoruba global award for his far-reaching contributions to the cultural and political advancement of the Yoruba people.
He called on all to unite behind him, saying, “He has remained a committed leader of the Yoruba race worldwide.”
Also speaking, the Royal Father of the Day, Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, noted Chief Fasoranti’s longstanding relationship with the people of Owo, particularly through his close working ties with the late former Governor of Ondo State, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, in whose cabinet he served as Commissioner for Finance.
He lauded the celebrant for helping to preserve the identity of the Yoruba race and urged others to follow in his footsteps and make him proud.
He explained that the lecture could not do justice to the personality of the living legend, calling on all to strive towards preserving the Yoruba race.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof Olugbenga Ige, described Fasoranti as a nation builder, a teacher of teachers, and a father figure whose influence continues to shape generations of leaders across the Southwest and beyond.
According to him, he has lived a legacy of educational excellence, adding that his leadership is rooted in ideology and service.
The event featured the unveiling of the architectural prototype and fundraising for the Papa Fasoranti/Ondo UIAA multipurpose building, as well as the presentation of awards to eminent personalities.
Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Rahman Mimiko; Chief of Staff to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Bishop of Akure Anglican Communion, Bishop Simeon Borokini; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade; members of the state executive council; chairmen of local government areas; and members of the UIAA, Ondo State branch, among others, graced the occasion.
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