By Julius Peter, Abuja
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has paid tribute to the late elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, describing his life as a remarkable example of integrity, principled leadership and dedicated public service.
Oyedele, in a tribute to the late statesman, said Fasoranti’s contributions to national development and public administration, particularly his record as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State, remained a benchmark for accountability, prudence and ethical leadership.
The minister noted that Fasoranti, who lived from 1926 to 2026, had distinguished himself through a century of service marked by strong principles, commitment to the public good and an unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people.
He said the late Afenifere leader’s legacy should serve as an enduring source of inspiration for public officeholders and future generations, particularly those entrusted with managing public resources.
According to Oyedele, Fasoranti’s tenure as Commissioner for Finance under the administration of the late Chief Michael Ajasin in the old Ondo State demonstrated the importance of financial discipline, accountability and responsible management of government resources.
The minister stressed that these values remained essential to effective economic management and the delivery of good governance, particularly at a time when Nigerians expected public institutions and their leaders to demonstrate transparency, fairness and responsibility.
“For those of us in economic management, his record as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under Chief Michael Ajasin remains a clear benchmark of prudence, accountability, and ethical stewardship,” Oyedele said.
He noted that the late elder statesman’s example underscored the importance of placing public interest above personal considerations and ensuring that leadership positions were used to advance the collective good.
Oyedele also expressed solidarity with the government and people of Ondo State over the loss, describing Fasoranti’s passing as a moment of grief for his community and the country at large.
As a son of Ondo State, the minister said he shared in the sorrow occasioned by the death of the revered Yoruba leader, whose contributions to public service and national discourse had earned him considerable respect.
He extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, members of Afenifere and the people of Ondo State, urging them to take solace in the late statesman’s remarkable life and enduring contributions to society.
The minister further emphasised that the most meaningful way to honour Fasoranti’s memory was for public officials and leaders to uphold the principles that defined his life.
According to him, the late statesman’s legacy should inspire leaders to embrace discipline, fairness, accountability and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
“The finest tribute to his century of service is to lead with the discipline, fairness, and commitment to the public good that he demonstrated throughout his life,” Oyedele said.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed elder statesman’s soul, expressing hope that his values and contributions would continue to guide future generations.
Pa Reuben Fasoranti was widely regarded as one of the prominent elder statesmen in Yoruba political and sociocultural circles and a leading figure in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation.
His passing marks the end of a century-long life associated with public service, political engagement and advocacy for principled leadership.
Oyedele’s tribute highlights the continuing relevance of Fasoranti’s record in public administration, particularly his emphasis on prudent financial management, ethical conduct and accountability.
For the minister, the late statesman’s greatest legacy lies not only in the positions he occupied or the causes he championed, but also in the standards of integrity and responsibility he set for those who serve the public.
