*OGD mourns Afenifere Leader
Otunba Gbenga Daniel has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Afenifere National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, describing his death at the age of 100 as a monumental loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria. Daniel, who has long regarded the centenarian as a father figure and moral compass, noted that Baba Fasoranti lived a century defined by integrity, courage, and unwavering service to the progressive cause.
Reflecting on their personal bond, Daniel recalled his visit to Pa Fasoranti’s residence in 2019 to commiserate with him over the tragic murder of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, where he praised the nonagenarian for his resilience and for continuing to provide much-needed leadership for the Yoruba race despite personal grief, describing him as one of the few remaining leaders truly passionate about national existence.
Daniel also remembered Pa Fasoranti as the embodiment of the Omoluabi ethos. During the Afenifere leader’s 99th birthday lecture in Akure, Daniel had declared that “Pa Fasoranti’s life is the embodiment of the Omoluabi ideal, integrity, wisdom, courage, and service to community,” emphasizing that it was not just his longevity that mattered, but the immense value he added to that long life through selfless leadership.
The former Ogun State Governor noted that Baba Fasoranti’s transition marks the end of an era for the Awolowo political family. He urged the family, the people of Ondo State, and the entire Afenifere fold to take solace in the fact that the patriarch left indelible footprints of honour, having fought for democracy and true federalism until his final days, leaving a legacy worthy of emulation by future generations.
Otunba Daniel concluded by praying that God grants Pa Fasoranti’s gentle soul eternal rest and gives the family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, while expressing hope that the ideals of unity and ethical rebirth that Baba championed will continue to guide the Yoruba race.
