Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti backs President Tinubu and South West lawmakers for re-election, praising their role in Nigeria’s restructuring and economic rebirth

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a powerful show of support, the respected leader of Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti (OFR), has publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued leadership, commending his “quiet revolution” and commitment to national rebirth.

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The Yoruba elder statesman made his endorsement in a letter addressed directly to the President, describing him as “Omo Yoruba Àtàtà”—a worthy son of the Yoruba people.

The two-page letter, signed by the 97-year-old leader, praises Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s political and economic transformation, even as the reforms come with difficult consequences.

Fasoranti noted that these efforts were necessary steps for the rebirth of a new Nigeria, grounded in regional development and national identity.

“We observed your quiet revolution in steering our country to the trajectory where we started from,” Fasoranti wrote.

“This is the path to irreversible development… especially with the establishment of Regional Economic Development building blocs, including the South West Development Commission.”

Yoruba land will never forget you in your silent restructuring of our political economy… we have got your back, as always.

The Afenifere leader further commended the President’s commitment to upholding Yoruba values of enterprise, leadership and integrity, saying Tinubu had proven the confidence reposed in him by Afenifere was never misplaced.

Importantly, Chief Fasoranti also called for the continuity of South West representatives at the National Assembly, across party lines, highlighting their cooperation with President Tinubu as a major contributor to Nigeria’s ongoing progress.

He specifically encouraged efforts to ensure their re-election so that they may “take the race to the end together.”

In a deeply personal tone, Fasoranti referenced a past meeting with President Tinubu, calling it a conversation “between father and son; between brothers of common heritage,” and expressed satisfaction that the President had remained faithful to his promise to serve both the Yoruba people and all Nigerians.

The endorsement is significant not only for President Tinubu’s administration but also for key South West politicians, including former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), who is among those the elder statesman indirectly urged to be supported for continued service.

Closing the letter with blessings and ancestral goodwill, Fasoranti wrote: “Bola, o’ò ní té l’ójú omo aráyé, ìkó kíí kó bálá, Omo aráyé kò ní rí ìdí re. Odua a gbe wa o.” (Translation: “Bola, you will not be put to shame, no burden will disgrace you, and people will not see your downfall. May Odua continue to protect us.”)

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This latest development further cements President Tinubu’s standing in the South West and reinforces Afenifere’s historical influence in shaping the region’s political direction.