By Ayodele Oni
Amidst relations, political associates and children, that came to celebrate his 97th Birthday with him, Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti said:
“I feel fulfilled, I have seen it all, I’ve seen the worst and I have seen the best. I lost my wife, I lost my daughter, she was shot dead but generally I have to thank God for everything.
“This is not the Nigeria of my dream, no. Things are getting worse, we only hope those we are leaving behind will try and do their best because what we are seeing now is not good for the country at all.
“My expectations from the incoming government are many but I want the government to give priority to unemployment, people are not gainfully employed and getting worst everyday and I hope government will try and look into it and the security of the land.
“The government should also look into the restructuring of the country and I hope the new President will do it.”
The Afenifere National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu said, “I want to be above 97 and be agile, without sickness, with the grace that God has given him (Fasoranti).
“Throughout my stay in the United Kingdom, I didn’t have the opportunity of being very close to Obafemi Awolowo, and now I have the privilege of being close to this man (Fasoranti), who epitomizes what Obafemi Awolowo as the second Oduduwa epitomised for us: humbleness, service for community before self, egalitarian society for everybody, a leader that listens to all the members before he takes a decision. These are the kinds of things I love about Baba Fasoranti.
“There is a difference between this man and the lords. I have the opportunity to be with some lords of the United Kingdom, people who belong to the House of Lords through Chief MKO Abiola.
“And then I saw the way they behaved. They are men of virtue and honour. This is what Baba Fasoranti represents; there is no difference.
Also speaking at the special Afenifere gathering, Former Governor Mimiko said, “Baba is a leader in Akure community; he is a notable leader in his church, and everybody attests to that.
“Presently, he is the leader of Afenifere, the foremost socio-political organisation of one of the most notable ethnonationalities in the black race, and by that, he is therefore the Yoruba leader.
“This is a man created to be a leader. A leader in the church, a leader in the community, a leader in his ethnic nationality, and a leader at home.
“Baba is someone who has taught us how to lead. He listens very well; he aggregates views and comes out with very enlightened opinions, and we all queue behind him, so we have a lot of respect for him.
“Baba also teaches us how to live with humility and class. And also, this is a man who has taught us how to handle personal tragedy.
“What else do you have to say other than thank God for his life? I pray to God that we will all be here to celebrate his centenary; we will all be looking forward to it, and I pray to God Almighty that even in his lifetime he will see progress in Nigeria.
“Behind his heart, he is very concerned about Nigeria. He hates poverty; he wants this country to develop; he wants Nigeria to fulfill its destiny.”
