By Omowumi Hannah, Ibadan

The Auditor of the Yari Initiative for Asiwaju and 2027 aspirant for Oyo State House of Assembly, Egbeda State Constituency, Hon. Temitope Olawoyin, has described the death of the National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as a colossal loss to the Yoruba race and Nigeria.

Pa Fasoranti, who died on Tuesday at the age of 100, was a respected educationist and elder statesman.

In a tribute issued on Wednesday through her Special Assistant on Media and Public Communications, Olawale Kunle, Hon. Olawoyin said Pa Fasoranti lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints of honour.

She described the late Afenifere leader as an epitome of culture, dignity and integrity, noting that his contributions to Yoruba land and Nigeria will remain unforgettable.

According to her, the passing of two Afenifere leaders in quick succession — Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Fasoranti — has created a huge vacuum in Yoruba leadership, urging members of the group to close ranks for the continued development of Yoruba-speaking states.

She commiserated with the people of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Fasoranti family, adding that the vacuum would be felt more in Ondo due to the loss of rare elderly counsel.

Hon. Olawoyin also urged President Bola Tinubu to immortalise the late Afenifere leaders for their sacrifices, and called on Yoruba sons and daughters to shun divisive power struggles capable of truncating the existing peaceful coexistence in the region.

She urged the family of the late centenarian to remain united and committed to the ideals he stood for.