Yoruba leaders, scholars, and stakeholders across political and cultural divides came together in Ibadan to celebrate Reuben Fasoranti’s 100th birthday, using the milestone to renew calls for value-driven leadership and national rebirth.
The centenary tribute, held under the theme “A Century of Witness: Yoruba Political, Cultural Leadership and the Conscience of a Nation,” was organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission. It drew academics, youth groups, socio-cultural organisations, and members of the Fasoranti family.
Speakers described the Afenifere leader as a symbol of integrity, selfless service, and moral leadership. The message was clear: Nigeria needs a return to the character-driven politics that defined the First Republic.
Ruben Fasoranti, Born May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, Fasoranti’s life spans Nigeria’s journey from colonial rule to independence, military rule, and the Fourth Republic. He trained as a teacher and educationist at University College Ibadan, the University of Hull, and Maguire University in Sydney. After retiring, he founded Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School, and St. Frances’ Academy in memory of his late wife. His schools remain monuments to his belief that education is the foundation of nation-building.
In politics, Fasoranti was a disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He served in the Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria. As Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983, he managed state finances with prudence, enabling the Ajasin administration to deliver free education, free healthcare, and rural development.
During the Abacha dictatorship, he stood with Afenifere and NADECO against military tyranny, surviving an assassination attempt and emerging more resolute. He lost his wife in 1991 and his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, in 2019, yet remained steadfast.
President Bola Tinubu, leading tributes, called him “a metaphor for integrity, honesty, dedicated service to the nation and true leadership”. Tinubu recalled visiting Fasoranti before the 2023 election and receiving his prayers and support.
At the centenary lecture, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju of UNILAG urged a return to leadership rooted in moral upbringing rather than certificates alone relating it to the celebrant. Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu also described Fasoranti as a man who served humanity without seeking personal gain.
Senator Femi Okunrounmu lamented the decline of progressive welfarism in today’s politics, while University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale hailed Fasoranti as a “working conscience” whose life reflects intellectual depth and moral clarity. 8cb9
DAWN Commission DG Dr Seye Oyeleye noted that the gathering was not just to celebrate Fasoranti’s 100 years, but to mark 10 years of the Yoruba Historical Conversation and to remind the South-West of the ideals of the Western Region’s golden era.
As Nigeria faces governance challenges, Fasoranti centenary stands as both a celebration and a challenge: to rebuild a nation where public service means sacrifice, not self-enrichment.
