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Vice President Kashim Shettima has mourned the death of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the 100-year-old National Leader of Afenifere, describing his passing as a major loss to Nigeria’s political and democratic history.

Shettima said the late elder statesman represented a generation of leaders whose lives were defined by principled leadership, commitment to public service and dedication to the common good.

The Vice President conveyed his condolences in a message on Wednesday, extending sympathies to the Fasoranti family, Afenifere, the government and people of Ondo State, and the Yoruba nation.

He described Fasoranti as a custodian of Nigeria’s political history whose contributions to education, democratic governance and progressive politics extended beyond regional boundaries.

According to Shettima, the late statesman witnessed significant changes in the country over his century-long life but remained steadfast in his convictions and commitment to society.

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He said Fasoranti’s life demonstrated that the true measure of a person’s legacy lies not merely in longevity or public office but in the values they uphold, the people they inspire and the institutions they help strengthen.

The Vice President noted that although Fasoranti lived to the age of 100, his death would remain painful for family members, friends and associates who regarded him as a father, mentor and trusted counsellor.

Shettima acknowledged the emotional loss associated with the death of a cherished family patriarch, saying public tributes could not fully capture the personal memories and wisdom that loved ones would miss.

He, however, expressed confidence that the elder statesman’s influence would endure through the people he mentored, the principles he promoted and the memories he left behind.

The Vice President also urged Nigerians to draw lessons from Fasoranti’s life by preserving the values of dialogue, mutual respect and responsible citizenship, particularly during periods of political disagreement.

He said the late Afenifere leader’s example underscored the importance of maintaining principled positions while encouraging constructive engagement in public life.

Fasoranti was a prominent figure in Yoruba socio-political affairs and progressive politics, with a longstanding association with Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political organisation known for its advocacy on governance, democracy and restructuring.

His death marks the loss of a prominent voice in Nigeria’s political landscape and a figure whose public life spanned several generations of the country’s history.

Shettima prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his family and all those mourning him.

The Vice President’s condolence message adds to tributes expected from political leaders, community organisations and associates reflecting on Fasoranti’s life and contributions to Nigeria.

Ihesiulo Grace Amarachi is a Nigerian journalist, writer and media professional serving as the Editor-in-Chief of TheTraffic.NG, a digital news platform covering national and international affairs. Her editorial interests span politics, business, aviation, health, technology, entertainment, sports and social development. She is committed to credible journalism, insightful reporting and compelling storytelling that informs public discourse and keeps readers abreast of important developments in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.