Senate asks Tinubu to rename education institution after late Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti

A leader of Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti

The Senate on Wednesday called on the federal government to immortalise the late National Leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Reuben Fasoranti, who died last week at the age of 100.

The upper chamber recommended that an educational institution be renamed after the late elder statesman in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of education in South-west Nigeria.

The lawmakers adopted the resolution following a motion sponsored by Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central) during plenary.

Mr Fasoranti died last Tuesday. President Bola Tinubu, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other governors in the South-west have mourned his death.

Moving the motion, Mr Adegbonmire, who chairs the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, said the late elder statesman’s contributions to education profoundly influenced his approach to governance, particularly his emphasis on human welfare and humanitarian service.

The senator described the late Fasoranti as a committed follower of the late nationalist and politician, Obafemi Awolowo, who led the Action Group during the First Republic and later became associated with the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during the Second Republic.

He also noted that Mr Fasoranti was among prominent Nigerians who opposed military rule and advocated the restoration of democratic governance.

“Pa Fasoranti remained steadfast in the struggle for democracy. He was a man who spoke truth to power, honest and upright. He saw and promoted the need to collaborate with other socio-political organisations, such as Arewa and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, towards having a better Nigeria. He believed in one united and prosperous Nigeria and promoted this all through his life,” Mr Adegbonmire said.

The senator also urged his colleagues to constitute a delegation to convey the Senate’s condolences to the people of Ondo State and the deceased’s family.

Jide Ipinsagba, the senator representing Ondo North, supported the motion, describing the late Fasoranti as an advocate who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s educational development and promoted peace in Yorubaland and across the country.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, approved the prayers of the motion and directed senators to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the late elder statesman.