PANDEF Celebrates Fasoranti’s Century of Service Like That of Late Edwin Clark Because They Were Contemporaries

YENAGOA

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has celebrated the century-long life of the late Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, former National Leader of Afenifere, describing him as an elder statesman whose contributions to education, progressive politics and national development mirrored the enduring public service legacy of the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

PANDEF said Fasoranti, who died on October 20, 2026, at the age of 100, belonged to a generation of Nigerian leaders whose political convictions, commitment to democratic accountability and advocacy for a more equitable federation helped shape the country's progressive political movement.

In a condolence statement issued on October 22, the National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PhD, OON, expressed profound sadness over the passing of the Yoruba leader, describing his death as a significant loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.

The forum noted that Fasoranti's long years of service, beginning with his career in education and extending to the highest levels of progressive political leadership, demonstrated an enduring commitment to human development, integrity and the common good.

According to PANDEF, the late elder statesman spent decades in the classroom and served as an accomplished school principal before becoming one of the prominent voices in Nigeria's progressive political movement.

His dedication to public service, the organisation observed, was strongly influenced by the political philosophy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose progressive ideals shaped Fasoranti's commitment to social justice, responsible governance and democratic accountability.

PANDEF noted that Fasoranti and Clark were contemporaries whose lives and public engagements reflected a shared concern for the future of Nigeria, particularly the need for a political structure that guarantees fairness, justice and equitable development for all constituent nationalities.

While Fasoranti became a leading voice in the Yoruba progressive movement through Afenifere, Clark emerged as a prominent advocate for the Niger Delta, consistently drawing attention to the region's developmental challenges, resource control demands and the need for greater equity in the Nigerian federation.

The forum observed that, despite representing different geopolitical constituencies, both elder statesmen remained influential participants in national conversations on restructuring, true federalism, constitutional reform and the devolution of power.

It said their public lives demonstrated that the pursuit of national development required leaders who could defend the interests of their respective regions while engaging constructively with other ethnic nationalities in the broader interest of Nigeria.

As National Leader of Afenifere, Fasoranti remained committed to the progressive ideals of his political predecessors, advocating a federal arrangement that would promote justice, strengthen democratic institutions and enable the country's diverse communities to contribute meaningfully to national development.

PANDEF also highlighted his contribution to the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, which brought together socio-political organisations from the South-South, South-West, South-East and Middle Belt to deliberate on issues affecting the country's political structure and national cohesion.

The organisation said Fasoranti's participation in the coalition reflected his belief in inter-regional cooperation, dialogue and consensus-building as instruments for addressing Nigeria's constitutional and developmental challenges.

PANDEF further recalled his relationship with the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo and his mutual respect for Clark, noting that such relationships underscored the importance of cooperation among progressive leaders across ethnic and regional boundaries.

The forum maintained that Fasoranti's century of life offered valuable lessons in integrity, consistency, public service and the importance of sustaining democratic values across generations.

It added that the passing of the elder statesman had created a moment for reflection on the contributions of Nigeria's older generation of political leaders and the responsibility of younger Nigerians to preserve the principles of justice, equity, accountability and national unity.

PANDEF expressed the hope that Fasoranti's legacy would continue to inspire political leaders, educators, civil society organisations and young people committed to building a more inclusive and democratic country.

The organisation extended its condolences to the Fasoranti family, Afenifere, the Akure Kingdom, Ondo State and the entire Yoruba nation, expressing solidarity with them over the loss of the centenarian statesman.

Quoting Revelation 14:13, PANDEF encouraged the bereaved family and the Yoruba nation to draw comfort from the biblical assurance that those who die in the Lord will rest from their labours and that their works will follow them.

The forum prayed that God would grant Fasoranti eternal rest, stressing that his contributions to education, progressive politics and the pursuit of a more equitable federation would remain an enduring part of Nigeria's political history.