President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the revered Afenifere leader, who died at the age of 100.

Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by the State House on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, described the late Yoruba leader as an icon of integrity, a patriot and one of the foremost figures in the progressive political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The President extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government and people, the South-West region and members of Afenifere.

He said Fasoranti’s century-long life exemplified integrity, discipline, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.

Tinubu recalled the deceased’s contributions as an educationist and school principal, his service as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State, and his leadership of Afenifere, noting that he remained committed to true federalism and social justice.

According to the President, Fasoranti also made significant sacrifices in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, sometimes at the risk of his life.

He lamented that the country would miss the elder statesman’s wisdom, moral authority and fatherly counsel, particularly at a time when his guidance was greatly needed.

Tinubu also recalled celebrating Fasoranti’s 100th birthday on May 11, 2026, describing the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate not merely longevity but a lasting legacy of honour and service.

The President further recounted his visit to Fasoranti’s residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his intention to contest the presidency.

According to Tinubu, the Afenifere leader prayed for him and expressed confidence that he would become President during his lifetime, a prayer he said was answered.

“I had hoped Papa would also be around with us for my second term to witness the full dawn of economic growth and prosperity in the land,” Tinubu said.

Despite the loss, the President urged Nigerians to give thanks for Fasoranti’s long life of service and fulfilment.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to comfort his family and all those mourning his passing.

“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” the President added.

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, has urged Nigerians to allow the South to complete its eight-year presidential tenure in the spirit of fairness, equity and the country’s rotational presidency arrangement.

Yari made the appeal on Monday during a visit by members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council to the Palace of the Emir of Gwandu in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, where he called on voters in the North-West and across Northern Nigeria to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The visit was aimed at paying homage to traditional rulers and seeking their royal blessings and prayers ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, as stated by the campaign council.

Yari’s position aligned with that of Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who reaffirmed the state’s support for Tinubu and argued that allowing the South to complete eight years in office would uphold the principle of rotational leadership and promote national unity.

Addressing the traditional rulers, Governor Idris described Kebbi as a strong APC state, noting that it had been among the first states to mobilise support and endorse Tinubu for a second term.

He dismissed contrary claims on social media, insisting that the APC remained firmly rooted in the state and that the people’s support for the President was evident in the massive turnout that welcomed the campaign council.

Idris maintained that the North had already enjoyed eight years of presidential leadership and that it was only fair to allow the South to complete its own eight-year tenure.

“The North has spent eight years in power; it’s only fair and in the spirit of oneness, togetherness, unity of purpose and our cherished rotational presidency to allow the South to complete its eight years on the saddle,” the governor said.

In his remarks, Yari argued that the North had a responsibility to demonstrate fairness, recalling that Southern leaders had supported the North’s two-term presidential tenure before power returned to the South.

According to him, supporting Tinubu’s re-election would reinforce trust among Nigeria’s diverse political and regional interests and strengthen the foundation for lasting peace and national unity.

“The North is known for its fairness; the Southerners agreed, persevered, and consented to the North spending two terms of the Presidency. It was only three years ago that power left the North West; we must be seen to be fair and just,” Yari said.

He also defended the Tinubu administration’s performance, citing its efforts in economic development, agriculture, infrastructure, social welfare and empowerment programmes.

On security, Yari acknowledged that the country’s challenges predated the current administration but said the President had prioritised the fight against insecurity through the deployment of additional military equipment and special forces to troubled areas, particularly in the North.

The APC campaign council delegation was received by the Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar; the Deputy Chairman and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera; the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi; and the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mikhailu.

Yari commended Governor Idris for his administration’s development efforts in Kebbi State and for mobilising support for Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Responding, the Emir of Gwandu offered prayers for the electoral success of President Tinubu and Governor Idris, describing the President as an amiable leader and urging Nigerians to appreciate his efforts.

The monarch also advised Tinubu to review the progress made by his administration and identify the best ways to consolidate existing achievements.

Following the palace visit, Governor Idris hosted Yari and other members of the campaign council to a private luncheon before receiving the delegation on a courtesy call.

…Says re-appointment reflects years of experience, professionalism, dedication

The Press Crew of the Ekiti State Governor has congratulated Mr Yinka Oyebode on his re-appointment as the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing the reappointment as a recognition of his experience, professionalism and enduring commitment to public service.

The appointment Mr Yinka Oyebode alongside Prof. Habibat Adubiaro and Mr Niyi Adebayo as Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff respectively, followed the inauguration of Governor Oyebanji for second term.

In a congratulatory message, signed by the Director of Press, Governor’s Office, Mr Kunle Babalola said Oyebode’s reappointment reflected confidence reposed in his ability to continue to project the policies, programs and achievements of Governor Oyebanji’s administration through effective media relations and strategic public communication.

Describing him as the Nigeria’s longest-serving Chief Press Secretary and highlighting his remarkable record of service and continuity in a role that requires trust, consistency, sound judgement and a strong understanding of the relationship between government and media, Mr Babalola acknowledged Oyebode’s leadership and mentorship, noting that his wealth of experience had continued to provide guidance and direction for members of the Governor’s media team in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

Mr Babalola noted that Oyebode’s years of service in the Governor’s media office had distinguished him as a seasoned communicator, whose understanding of governance reporting and medial engagement had contributed to the dissemination of the administration’s activities to the people of Ekiti State and beyond.

Expressing confidence that his reappointment would further strengthen the coordination of the Governor’s media operation, deepen relationship and enhance public understanding of the policies and development initiatives of Oyebanji administration, Mr Babalola wished him a successful and impactful tenure in the next four years.

The Press Crew pledges their continued support and cooperation, expressing optimism that his renewed tenure would bring greater accomplishments in government communication and further strengthen the visibility of Ekiti State development efforts.