EbonyHerald Stores Ebony Herald News24
Related Articles
Pa Fasoranti @ 99 Lecture: Yoruba must reclaim lost values — Aiyedatiwa, Gbenga Daniel, Mimiko, others declare
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has hailed Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti as a rare emblem of patriotism, courage, and integrity, whose life of selfless service continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.
He made the remarks on Saturday in Akure during the second edition of the Chief Reuben Fasoranti Public Service Lecture, organised by the Ondo State Chapter of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, to commemorate the elder statesman’s 99th birthday.
Speaking at the Multi-Purpose Auditorium of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa extolled the virtues of the Afenifere leader, describing his life as the embodiment of the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos.
“What we are celebrating today is not just a number. It is not merely the years in the life of an icon and one of Nigeria’s brightest lights, but the substance of a life marked by service, courage, conviction, and unwavering devotion to humanity,” the governor said.
The governor noted that it was fitting to commemorate Chief Fasoranti’s 99th birthday with a public lecture, given his enduring contributions to education, culture, and leadership in Nigeria.
“Pa Fasoranti is undoubtedly a brand that represents patriotism, courage, resilience, contentment, and selflessness,” he declared.
Reflecting on the lecture’s theme “Wanted: A Strong and United Yoruba Race as Panacea for Reviving the Vanishing Yoruba Values and Culture” Governor Aiyedatiwa described it as timely and deeply thought-provoking.
He expressed concern over the erosion of cultural values among the Yoruba people and called for collective action to preserve their heritage.
“We must acknowledge the importance of our traditions, customs, and values in shaping our identity and guiding our actions. As a people, we cannot afford to stray from this noble path,” he said.
He called for renewed emphasis on cultural education, particularly among young people, alongside the revival of festivals and traditional practices.
“We must promote awareness and appreciation of Yoruba culture, history, and values among the youth, and encourage intergenerational dialogue between elders and the younger generation to safeguard this heritage,” he added.
“As a government, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that preserve and promote Yoruba culture, arts, and traditions.
We are empowering the youth with opportunities to engage, grow, and contribute to this cultural renaissance.”
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Ondo State, I wish Pa Fasoranti a joyous 99th birthday. May your legacy continue to be a source of inspiration to us all.”
In his lecture titled “A Strong and United Yoruba Race as Panacea for Reviving Vanishing Yoruba Values and Culture,” former Ogun State Governor and serving Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, highlighted the Yoruba people’s traditional emphasis on good conduct and moral integrity.
He lamented that the current cultural climate in Nigeria points to a deep ethical crisis.
“Despite our abundant natural resources, rich culture, and vibrant population, Nigeria has continued to suffer from moral decay, corruption, and systemic dysfunction,” he stated.
Daniel explained that the Omoluabi concept encapsulates a comprehensive ethical framework centred on integrity, responsibility, and communal harmony.
He argued that its revival could serve as a culturally rooted path to national rebirth.
He described Afenifere as the most prominent Yoruba socio-political organisation to date, tracing its roots to the political movement led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Action Group in the 1950s.
He stressed that the group represents a vision grounded in justice, accountability, and the welfare of the people.
To build a truly inclusive Nigeria, Daniel advocated for a simultaneous pursuit of cultural rebirth and economic progress.
He urged Afenifere to collaborate with like-minded groups across the nation to achieve consensus and translate it into tangible political outcomes.
Congratulating Pa Fasoranti, he prayed for continued health and wisdom so that the nation might keep benefitting from his experience and insights.
In his welcome address, Mr Yinka Akinola, Chairman of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Ondo State Branch, described Chief Fasoranti as an alumnus worthy of celebration, a man whose life exemplifies academic excellence, moral strength, and dedicated public service.
Chief host of the event, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, recalled a time when external influences threatened to erode Yoruba values, noting that leaders like Fasoranti stood firm in preserving the culture and identity now being proudly upheld.
He urged alumni of tertiary institutions to engage in solution-driven dialogue on the pressing challenges facing the Yoruba race.
Likewise, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, represented by the Registrar, Mr Ganiyu Saliu, expressed the university’s deep appreciation to the nonagenarian, stating that every society thrives on the contributions of individuals like Fasoranti, who embody its ideals and uphold its legacy.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof Williams Aderounmu, commended Fasoranti’s unwavering dedication to principled leadership and community development.
He suggested that the elder statesman be honoured with a global Yoruba award for his immense contributions to the cultural and political advancement of the Yoruba nation.
He called for unity around the celebrant, saying, “He has remained a committed leader of the Yoruba race worldwide.”
Also speaking, the Royal Father of the Day, Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, reflected on Fasoranti’s longstanding ties with the people of Owo, particularly through his service as Commissioner for Finance under the late Governor Chief Adekunle Ajasin.
He praised Fasoranti for helping preserve the Yoruba identity and encouraged others to follow in his noble footsteps.
He noted that no lecture could fully capture the impact of the living legend, urging all to join hands in the preservation of Yoruba culture.
In a goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof Olugbenga Ige, described Fasoranti as a nation builder, a teacher of teachers, and a father figure whose influence spans generations of leaders across the Southwest and beyond.
According to him, Fasoranti’s life has been a legacy of educational excellence, driven by ideology and service.
The event featured the unveiling of the architectural prototype for the Papa Fasoranti/Ondo UIAA multipurpose building, as well as a fundraising drive and the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities.
Among dignitaries present were former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Rahman Mimiko; Chief of Staff to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Bishop Simeon Borokini of the Akure Anglican Communion; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade; members of the state executive council; local government chairmen; and members of the UIAA Ondo State chapter.
