Ajayi, Fynch Pay Tribute to Fasoranti, Urge Successors to Uphold Integrity
The proprietor of Preston International School, Dr. Toyin Ajayi, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Akure South Constituency I in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeola Rosemary Fynch, have paid glowing tributes to the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, describing him as a respected statesman whose legacy of integrity, wisdom and service must be sustained.
The duo spoke while paying their last respects to the late elder statesman, who died at the age of 100, recalling his contributions to education, politics and the development of Akure and its people.
Ajayi, who described Fasoranti’s death as a monumental loss to the community and the country, said the late Yoruba leader had a special relationship with people from different walks of life.
She recalled that Fasoranti was her principal at Christ School, Ado-Ekiti, in 1977, describing him as a distinguished gentleman and scholar who maintained discipline without resorting to corporal punishment.
According to her, Fasoranti was the first school principal she encountered who did not use a cane but was still able to exercise effective control over the entire school.
He also disclosed that the late elder statesman supported the establishment of Preston International School by granting the institution permission to conduct its entrance examinations at the location.
Ajayi said Fasoranti’s encouragement was instrumental in inspiring Nigerians in the diaspora, including himself, to return home and invest in the development of their communities. He noted that the late Afenifere leader did not merely encourage people to return home but also offered practical support to those willing to contribute to societal development.
Describing him as a father figure, Ajayi said Fasoranti consistently offered advice, prayed for people and demonstrated an exemplary character that was difficult to fault.
He added that his commitment to integrity and principled leadership remained a legacy that his family and associates, including his successor in Afenifere, should sustain.
Ajayi urged whoever succeeds Fasoranti in the leadership of Afenifere to uphold the organisation’s founding principles, particularly its commitment to truth and integrity. He stressed that the truth must be spoken at all times, irrespective of whose interests might be affected.
According to her, the Yoruba people have a tradition of confronting difficult issues honestly, adding that Fasoranti exemplified this principle throughout his life.
He wished the organisation’s future leadership well and urged its members to remain committed to speaking the truth in every situation.
Similarly, Fynch described Fasoranti as a grandfather figure and a respected statesman whose contributions to Akure and its people would remain indelible.
The APC candidate said the late Afenifere leader played a significant role in the political development of the community and remained a dependable source of wisdom and experience.
She noted that despite his advanced age, his death remained painful because many people had continued to rely on his wealth of knowledge, experience and guidance.
According to her, Fasoranti’s passing has created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill, particularly among those who looked up to him for political direction and counsel.
Fynch, however, said the gathering to honour the late elder statesman was also an opportunity to celebrate a life defined by service, wisdom and lasting contributions to society.
She expressed confidence that his legacy would continue to inspire the people of Akure and future generations.
The late Fasoranti, a prominent Yoruba leader and former school principal, was widely respected for his role in Afenifere and his contributions to political and social development in the South-West.
