*20th October, 2026*
The Fasoranti Family,
Akure,
Ondo State.
Dear Esteemed Family,
*CONDOLENCE ON THE TRANSITION OF PA REUBEN FAMUYIDE FASORANTI (1926 – 2026)*
I write with a heavy heart and profound sorrow, to condole with you on the glorious transition of your patriarch, my father and our revered elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who has returned to his Maker at the remarkable age of 100.
Baba’s passage, though at a fulfilled age, is deeply painful to me. It marks not only the loss of a father to you but the loss of a personal father figure, a moral compass and a repository of wisdom to me, to Ondo State, to Yorubaland and to Nigeria. His century of existence was a century of service that touched my own journey and shaped generations.
I knew Pa Fasoranti as far more than a centenarian. He was a distinguished educationist, an astute political leader, a dogged pro-democracy advocate and the revered Leader of Afenifere. I admired his unwavering commitment to justice, equity, good governance and the advancement of his people. His courageous and principled stand on matters of national importance earned him my deepest respect and secured for him an eternal place as one of the most influential voices in Yoruba history.
Baba belonged to that rare generation that understood public service as a sacred trust. In my interactions and reflections on his life, I saw honesty, discipline, courage and selfless leadership personified. He taught us that leadership is not about office but about duty to the people.
As one who now leads the OSRC Media Group, an institution mandated to inform, educate and enlighten, I feel this loss more keenly. Baba’s life was a curriculum in public good and national development. His legacy is one I hold dearly and one I believe must be preserved and taught to the younger generation, including those of us in public service and the media.
I know no words can truly comfort you at this moment. I however urge you to be strengthened by the extraordinary life Baba lived, the countless lives he moulded, the noble causes he championed and the priceless legacy he bequeaths to you, to Akure Kingdom and to our nation.
I mourn with you as a son, even as I celebrate with you a life that was purposeful, honourable and completely devoted to humanity. Though Baba has left our physical presence, the ideals he lived and defended will continue to live in us.
I pray that the Almighty God grants you, his beloved family, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May He comfort your hearts and grant Baba’s gentle soul eternal and peaceful repose in His bosom.
Please accept my personal and heartfelt condolences. I stand with you in this hour of grief.
May the soul of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti rest in perfect peace.
With deepest sympathy,
*Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson*
*Director General/Chief Executive*
