Today, May 11, 2026, marks a truly historic milestone as Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the revered leader of Afenifere, joins the rare club of centenarians. The celebrations in Akure are not just a birthday party; they represent a significant convergence of the South-West’s political “who’s who.”
President Bola Tinubu has led the nation in honoring the man he calls “a metaphor for integrity.” He is recognized as one of the last surviving direct disciples of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, carrying the torch of “progressive” politics from the First Republic Action Group into the modern era.
Beyond politics, his 100-year journey includes a distinguished career in education (founding several schools in Ondo) and public service as the Finance Commissioner under the legendary Pa Adekunle Ajasin.
The tributes have also touched on his personal fortitude, surviving an assassination attempt during the Abacha era and the tragic 2019 loss of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin.
The gathering in Akure is being closely watched as a major power play for the “Awoist” block. By honoring Fasoranti, President Tinubu is reinforcing his ties to the mainstream Afenifere leadership, which is crucial for consolidating his base in the South-West ahead of future political cycles.
Leading figures at the event, including the National Assembly South-West Caucus, have used the occasion to link Fasoranti’s lifelong dream of “True Federalism” to current constitutional reforms, such as the push for state police.
Tinubu’s personal presence (or high-level representation) serves as a public “thank you” for the elder statesman’s support during the 2023 campaign, which many see as a spiritual and political endorsement that still carries weight.
In a country where political alliances shift like sand, Pa Fasoranti’s 100th birthday is a rare moment of “old guard” stability that provides the current administration with a powerful sense of historical legitimacy.
