By Jubril Bada
Encomiums came in torrents on revered Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti(OFR) at the weekend as he marked his 98th birthday.
Friends, political associates and eminent Nigerians including Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Olu of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, and former Governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, were among the early callers at the residence of the nonagenarian in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Saturday.
Other dignitaries at the well attended birthday celebration included the Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas and Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former Ambassador to Togo, Amb. Sola Iji, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Abiola Makinde, Afenifere leaders including Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Aluko, among several other dignitaries.
Speaking one after the other, the dignitaries at the event felicitated Chief Fasoranti on his 98th birthday, describing him as a living legend and a man of impeccable character who has contributed hugely to the development of the state and the country at large.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the courage and visionary leadership in the nonagenarian will remain indelible in the history of Yoruba and Nigeria as a nation.
The calibre of people who thronged the residence of Pa Fasoranti in Akure, venue of the birthday celebration, saw it as an opportunity to identify with a humble leader who has touched many lives positively.
Aiyedatiwa affirmed that Pa Fasoranti was celebrated for his impactful and meaningful contributions to the political, economic and social development of the state and Nigeria.
He said Pa Fasoranti as a man of integrity, an elder statesman and a man of peace, they cannot but celebrate him for his outstanding contributions to the national unity and development.
His words: “God will continue to bless you because what we found on your face is warm reception and smile always. Baba, you are still impactful and resourceful at 98, and we cherish you for praying for us always whenever we visit you.
“As one of the founding fathers of the state, God will elongate your age because of your contributions to the state and the country
“I appreciate your elderly solution towards the political crisis that erupted between September to December, 2023, which almost set the state on fire. Your voice and signature were recognized as strength in you to proffer solution to the political crisis.
“By special grace of God, l will still be the one as Governor, to celebrate your centenary. Nothing will remove me as the governor”.
Speaking with journalists, former Governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, thanked God for the life of Pa Fasoranti, noting that he is blessed with his age at 98.
He described him as a man of contentment who takes things with fortitude, describing him as an incredible man who God honoured with age.
“Yorubas both home and abroad celebrate him. We look forward to celebrating his centenary”, Mimiko said.
On his part, the Olu of llu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, described the celebrant as a leader with patience, compassion, consultation, contentment and stands for centre of activity for a very long time.
The qualities in Pa Fasoranti, he said are family inherited traits which he represents.
“These qualities attract us to Baba. Baba is a rock and we should emulate him”, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation added.
Responding, the celebrant, Pa Fasoranti thanked all for celebrating with him on his birthday.
“I’m very happy for celebrating with me. In the society, it is good to help people when you are in position. You will all be here next year for another celebration”, Pa Fasoranti declared.
The event featured cutting of birthday cake, presentation of award and gifts by members of Afenifere from Oyo and Lagos States to the celebrant.