Fasoranti @100: Yoruba Leaders, Scholars Celebrate Afenifere Leader, Seek National Rebirth
Yoruba leaders, scholars, and stakeholders from diverse political and cultural backgrounds have come together to honour elder statesman and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on his 100th birthday. The occasion was used to advocate for a renewed commitment to national development and value-driven leadership.
The tributes were delivered at a special centenary edition of the Yoruba Historical Conversation organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission in Ibadan. The event, themed “A Century of Witness: Yoruba Political, Cultural Leadership and the Conscience of a Nation,” attracted participants from academia, socio-cultural organisations, research institutions, youth groups, and the Fasoranti family.
Speakers described the centenarian as a symbol of integrity, selfless service, and moral leadership, while calling for a more united and progressive Yoruba nation anchored on shared values and collective development.
Keynote Lecture: Call for Character-Driven Leadership
Delivering the keynote lecture, University Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Lagos, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, urged a return to the character-driven leadership that defined Nigeria’s First Republic as a solution to contemporary governance challenges. He contrasted the discipline, restraint, and sense of duty that characterised leadership in the 1950s and early post-independence era with what he described as the present culture of self-interest and materialism.
According to him, leadership must be rooted in strong moral upbringing rather than mere academic certification, stressing that the true measure of leadership lies in enduring impact rather than personal wealth. Drawing lessons from global examples such as Singapore, Olukoju emphasised that discipline, integrity, and zero tolerance for corruption remain critical to national transformation.
He also advocated stronger regional collaboration among Southwest states in infrastructure development, including transport systems, dams, and economic integration, noting that such synergy would enhance growth and improve living standards.
Goodwill Messages and Tributes
In her goodwill message, Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, described Fasoranti as a man who gave his all in service to humanity without seeking personal gain. Similarly, Afenifere chieftain, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, said Fasoranti belonged to a generation defined by service, progressive welfarism, and commitment to the ordinary citizen, lamenting the decline of such values in contemporary politics.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, described the elder statesman as a “working conscience” and a distinguished alumnus whose life reflects intellectual depth, moral clarity, and enduring national relevance.
DAWN Commission’s Remarks
Earlier, Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, said the gathering was convened not only to celebrate Fasoranti’s centenary but also to mark the 10th anniversary of the Yoruba Historical Conversation series. He noted that Fasoranti’s life spanned critical phases of Nigeria’s political evolution and reflected the ideals of the Western Region’s golden era, including principled governance and commitment to public service.
Oyeleye added that Fasoranti’s contributions as an educationist, administrator, and political leader, including his role as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance during the Second Republic, underscored his lifelong dedication to societal development.
