President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Reuben Fasoranti, describing him as a steadfast advocate of justice, democracy, and public good.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks on Monday at Fasoranti’s 100th birthday celebration held at his residence in Akure, Ondo State.
The President said Fasoranti “stands out for justice and betterment of the people and in the fight for the attainment of democracy,” praising his decades of public service and principled leadership.
He noted that the centenarian “sacrificed his comfort to serve the people and the nation meritoriously,” adding that his life reflected discipline, courage, and a consistent commitment to fairness.
“Live a thousand lifetimes in one, compressing into a single journey the courage of prophets, the patience of teachers, the sacrifices of patriots, and the dignity of elders,” Tinubu said, while highlighting Fasoranti’s role in Nigeria’s historical and political development.
According to him, Fasoranti “never watched history from the safety of the pavilion,” stressing that leadership in public service often demands personal sacrifice over self-interest.
“We live in a country where those privileged to serve the people too often end up serving their own interests,” the President said, warning that when “public duty becomes private appetite, the nation is made unsafe for the vulnerable.”
Tinubu also commended Fasoranti for consistently speaking out against injustice, noting that he “gave voice to the underrepresented and sacrificed his comfort in doing so,” choosing “the burden of advocacy and the loneliness of principle.”
He described the nonagenarian’s life as one that has witnessed Nigeria’s full political evolution, from colonial rule to independence, military governance, and democratic rule.
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“He saw Nigeria in its infancy. He saw her hopes rise, her dreams wounded, her institutions tested, and her democracy reborn,” Tinubu said, adding that Fasoranti remained “a steadfast voice for justice and national unity.”
The President further praised him for his warnings against oppression, stressing that “peace without fairness is a fragile peace, and unity without justice only postpones grievance.”
“On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I thank you for your service to education, democracy, and the cause of justice,” he added.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also lauded Fasoranti, describing him as more than a statesman, but “an institution” whose life embodies discipline, courage, and principle.
“Through political transitions, national uncertainty and changing times, he has remained remarkably steadfast, firm in principle, disciplined in conduct and fearless in defending what is right,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He added that Fasoranti’s life reflects sacrifice, noting, “We stand here because one man chose to stand firm when it was easier to bend — for his people, for his principles, for the generations he may never meet but has always believed in.”
The governor also emphasised that leadership is a sacred responsibility, saying Fasoranti represents a generation that believes “character matters, honour matters, and power without conscience is dangerous.”
In his response, Fasoranti expressed gratitude to the President, governors, traditional rulers, family members, and guests who attended the celebration.
“To Ondo State and to Nigeria: We must return to values. Let us teach our children discipline again. Let us reward honesty. Let us love one another, irrespective of tribe or tongue,” he said.
He prayed for peace in Nigeria, good leadership, and divine guidance, adding, “At 100, my prayer is simple.
I pray for peace in our land. I pray for good leaders… and that when my time comes, I will meet my Creator in peace, with a clear conscience.”
The ceremony was attended by governors, former governors, traditional rulers, and other prominent figures from across the country.