AJUBE MOURNS FASORANTI, SAYS NIGERIA HAS LOST A GREAT ELDER
Arogbo-Ijaw Traditional Chief Pays Tribute to Late Afenifere Leader, Commiserates with Family and Ondo State
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
GlobalEgberi Media International Ltd
Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, the Beleukoriwei of Arogbo-Ijaw Kingdom and Chairman of Bibopere Group, has expressed profound sadness over the passing of renowned elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, describing his death as a monumental loss to Ondo State, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message, Chief Ajube paid glowing tribute to the late statesman, whose life, according to him, was defined by integrity, wisdom, courage and an enduring commitment to public service, democratic development and the advancement of humanity.
He noted that Pa Fasoranti, who lived to the age of 100, occupied a distinguished place in Nigeria’s political and social history, particularly through his contributions to education, good governance, justice, fairness and the welfare of the people.
According to Chief Ajube, the late Afenifere leader represented a generation of principled leaders whose influence transcended political affiliations and ethnic boundaries, earning them respect across the country.
“Baba Fasoranti was more than a respected elder statesman. He was a father figure, a man of principle and a voice of wisdom whose counsel and contributions transcended generations. He belonged to a generation of leaders who understood that leadership was a responsibility to serve, not merely a privilege to occupy positions.
“His life reminds us that what truly matters is the positive difference we make in the lives of others,” Chief Ajube stated.
A LEGACY OF INTEGRITY AND SELFLESS SERVICE
The Arogbo-Ijaw traditional chief observed that Pa Fasoranti’s remarkable journey through a century of Nigeria’s history reflected resilience, courage and unwavering conviction.
He said the late elder statesman remained a respected voice on issues affecting his people and the nation, demonstrating that advancing in age should never diminish one’s commitment to justice, responsible leadership and the common good.
Chief Ajube stressed that the passing of an elder of Pa Fasoranti’s stature was not merely a family loss but also a moment for national reflection on the importance of preserving the values of integrity, accountability, fairness and selfless service.
He maintained that the late statesman’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and his commitment to the interests of his people would continue to inspire present and future generations.
“At 100, we have every reason to thank God for a life so richly blessed and meaningfully lived. Yet, no matter how long our elders live, their departure leaves a void. Baba has finished his journey, but the values he stood for and the legacy he built will continue to inspire generations,” he said.
Chief Ajube added that the greatest honour society could give the departed statesman would be to preserve and promote the principles for which he stood, particularly at a time when Nigeria continues to seek visionary leadership, national unity and a stronger commitment to democratic values.
CONDOLES FAMILY, AFENIFERE AND ONDO STATE
The traditional chief extended his heartfelt condolences to the Fasoranti family, the Deji and people of Akure Kingdom, the leadership and members of Afenifere, Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the entire people of Ondo State.
He urged the bereaved family to draw strength and comfort from the extraordinary life Pa Fasoranti lived, the respect he commanded across Nigeria and the enduring legacy he left behind.
According to him, although the death of such a distinguished elder would be deeply felt by his family, community and the wider Nigerian society, the lessons of his life would remain relevant long after his passing.
Chief Ajube also called on Nigerians, particularly members of the younger generation, to learn from the late statesman’s dedication to public service, principled leadership and the pursuit of a society founded on justice, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s development requires leaders and citizens who place the common good above personal interests, uphold democratic principles and work towards strengthening unity among the country’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
In his closing remarks, Chief Ajube offered prayers for the repose of the departed elder statesman and for divine comfort for all those mourning his death.
“May Almighty God comfort his family, grant them the strength to bear this loss and grant Baba eternal rest. He lived with honour, served with conviction and departed with a legacy that time will not erase,” Chief Ajube said.
A NATIONAL LOSS AND AN ENDURING LEGACY
Pa Reuben Fasoranti’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the life of a respected Nigerian elder whose name became closely associated with principled leadership, public service and the advancement of democratic ideals.
His life and public engagements have continued to serve as a reference point in conversations about accountability, responsible leadership and the role of elder statesmen in shaping Nigeria’s political and social development.
For Chief Bibopere Ajube, the departed statesman’s enduring message is that genuine leadership is measured not by the positions people occupy but by the values they uphold, the lives they touch and the positive impact they leave on society.
He maintained that preserving the legacy of distinguished national figures requires more than tributes and expressions of grief; it demands a conscious commitment to practising the principles they upheld and passing those values to future generations.
As condolences continue to reach the bereaved family and the people of Ondo State, Chief Ajube’s message underscores the importance of honouring Nigeria’s elders by sustaining the ideals of integrity, peaceful coexistence, justice and selfless service.
SIGNED:
Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube
Beleukoriwei of Arogbo-Ijaw Kingdom
Chairman, Bibopere Group
REPORTER: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
GlobalEgberi Media International Ltd
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