By Ayodele Fagbohun

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Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, Officer of Federal Republic (OFR) and former National Leader of Afenifere, pan Yoruba Socio-Cultural and political organisation clocks 96.

It is meet and gratifying that the elected governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, in his wisdom broke protocol and out of his busy schedule recently visited Omolere residence in Akure to pay homage and worthy tribute to the elderstatesman.

Which in reality and in effect translated into receiving special blessings from the old political guru and war horse drawn from his wealth of experience gathered over the years. This is food for thought and salutary lesson for all leaders to cultivate with a view to ensuring huge success in their various theatres of operation.

Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti a.k.a RF is aptly described as the best governor Ondo State never had. He was the preferred candidate of Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin, to be his running mate instead of Chief Akin Omoboriowo who eventually became the deputy governor at the instance of the party leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and favoured by the geo-political factor, having hailed from Ijero-Ekiti.

According to Ajasin, Chief R. F. Fasoranti, an accomplished educationist from Akure, at different times, he was the Principal of such reputable schools as Iju/Itaogbolu Anglican Grammar School, Baptist High School, Owo; Olivet High School, Oyo and Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti. In 1973 and 1974, he was Chairman Akure Local Government Council.

Governor Ajasin further eulogized Fasoranti in high epithets as follows: “I have known Chief Fasoranti for a long time within and outside politics. He was by any standard a solid personality. He was solid in capability, integrity, dependability, reliability, efficiency, effectiveness and loyalty. For this reason, I decided to put him in charge of finance as my Finance Commissioner.”

The huge success credited to Ajasin government in old Ondo State (1979 – 1983) was non-pareil, significant landmark and unprecedented. Suffice it to say it bore eloquent testimony to the selfless contributions and spirit of dedication of the team of cabinet from which the pivotal role of his Finance Commissioner, otherwise known as Exchequer, was noteworthy.

The birthday anniversary of the frontline and outstanding educationist, school proprietor and prominent politician observed in low key affords the opportunity to beam searchlight on the life of unassuming and humble political colossus of our time.

Born of noble ancestry and well-to-do background in Akure, with the ancestral home at Uso, his father was a big time farmer who owned large scale cocoa plantation on the sprawling cultivated virgin land for arable farming in Ogbese/Uso, the hinterland of Akure.

Young Reuben Famuyide was educated in the ancient and prestigious Ondo Boys’ High School, Ondo, founded in 1919. There and then he proceeded to Yaba College, University College Ibadan and University of Hull, UK to acquire diploma, degree and post graduate diploma in Education.

Back to the shores of Nigeria, Baba got married to Mama ‘Diwura from the illustrious family in Ondo.

Not overwhelmed by his rich family background and his wedlock to Awosika family, also of immense substance which could have made him an intellectual snob and opted for a lucrative career in any blue-chip multi-national company.

Rather he chose a career in teaching likened to a missionary vocation. He truly made his mark in modeling the lives of his former pupils who are real shakers and movers of the world in their different and various callings.

His former pupils, living or dead who have become institutions too numerous and scattered across the globe, include: The Most Revd Dr. Samuel Abe, retired Archbishop of Ondo Province and retired Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Chief Yinka Oluwasina, Rtd Controller of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Hon Dayo Ogunniyi, ex-member of National Assembly, Chief Bola Ige, former elected governor of old Oyo State, etc.

Chief Farosanti’s foray into partisan politics which he regarded as hobby confirmed a commitment to the enthronement of purposeful progressive government in the country. He believed only a well organized political party with effective mobilization of the entire citizenry under the platform of well defined political ideology be it socialist or capitalist incline would guarantee stable government.

In the first Republic politics, he contested as member of Western House of Assembly representing Akure under the platform of Action Group (AG). His votes were openly and blatantly rigged by the political brigandage of NCNC and clannishness of party members in Akure. His rival in NCNC, Chief Tifase from Igbara-Oke was preferred inderison to Chief Fasoranti from Uso both in Akure constituency.

That did not deter him from the pursuit of his chosen career as school principal and alongside his wife subsequently established Omolere Nursery and Primary School and later Akure High School to promote educational development in Akure and its environs.

In the second Republic, his political party, Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) the then ruling party in Ondo State which Chief Fasoranti was the foremost leader in Akure division, introduced free education. Immediately, he allowed the government to take over his secondary school, Akure High School for effective free education programme.

Omolere school premises, directly opposite Ijapo Estate Extension, Akure, an expansive residence of Chief R. F. Fasoranti remains the political Mecca and rendezvous of politicians, political aspirants, and all lovers and admirers of Awo’s political dogmas.

For instance, as far back as November 11, 1973, some political activist of Awo’s school, led by Michael Adekunle, converged and met in Omolere residence and brainstormed on Ondo Province as centre for development which in other words metamorphosed to new Ondo State created on February 1976.

It is high time old Ondo State, otherwise known as Ekiti/Ondo States, shed their previous parochial political and ethnic inclinations and come together quickly to present a united and formidable progressive front.

The residence of Papa R. F. Fasoranti should be an ideal place, a melting-point of varying ideas where the problems and future of Yoruba race can be given thoughtful re-appraisal.

Afenifere, the pan Yoruba organisation, fails to heed the call of converting Ikenne home of Awo to be a rendezvous like what obtains in India where the modest residence of Mahatma Ghandi, leader of Indian politics is a point of meeting for the numerous followers of mystigue Ghandi. I heartily wish Papa Reuben Fasoranti happy birthday more healthy life filled with happiness, joy radiating around the family; grace of God. Looking forward to joyfully mark your centenary if God desires.