President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, who died on Tuesday aged of 100.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, announced Fasoranti’s death in a statement, describing him as a respected elder statesman committed to the development of Ondo, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

In a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, Tinubu said he received the news of Fasoranti’s death with “profound sadness”.

“On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the good people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State and South-West Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family,” the statement reads.

The president described the late Afenifere leader as “an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family”.

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

“From his days as an educationist and principal, to his stewardship as Commissioner for Finance in the old Western Region, and later as the leader of Afenifere, Baba never wavered in his belief in true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all,” Tinubu said.

“Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today.”

Tinubu said Fasoranti distinguished himself through his Spartan lifestyle, adherence to principles and commitment to noble causes.

“Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most,” he said.

The president recalled Fasoranti’s centenary celebration on May 11, noting that it marked not just his longevity but also a legacy of honour.

“He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints in the sands of time,” Tinubu said.

He also recalled visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency.

“Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer,” he said.

Tinubu said he had hoped the Afenifere leader would live to witness his second term in office and the anticipated economic growth and prosperity.

“But we must thank God for Pa Fasoranti’s long life of service, grace and fulfilment,” he said.

The president prayed for the repose of Fasoranti’s soul and asked God to comfort his family and others mourning his death.

President Bola Tinubu has explained why he removed fuel subsidy upon assumption of office in 2023.

Tinubu explained that he removed the subsidy on fuel to prevent Nigeria from going bankrupt.

He issued the explanation during a meeting with the City Boys Movement in Abuja on Monday.

The president also dismissed promises by the opposition presidential candidates to restore fuel subsidy if they are elected in 2027.

According to Tinubu: “I came and I removed subsidy the first day, Nigeria will not go bankrupt because there is nothing left to pay subsidy.

“I listen to my political opponents promising a return to subsidy” but drawing a religious analogy, the president added, “I remember my scripture studies, both in the Bible and the Holy Quran. When Moses (Musa) left Egypt, the Red Sea parted and gave way. You cannot ask Moses to go back to Egypt. With your energy and support, we will never go back to Egypt.”

The president assured that he would campaign on the backdrop of original ideas that would move Nigeria forward.

“We will campaign with ideas, original thoughts and thinking to move this country forward,” he added.

Tinubu had declared an end to fuel subsidy during his presidential inauguration in Abuja in 2023.

The president had said the fuel subsidy only benefited a few Nigerians.

With the 2027 presidential election around the corner, the opposition have promised to return the subsidy on fuel as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Suberu Aniviye, the suspended Niger state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has apologised to the families of 37 suspected miners who died in the agency’s custody.

According to reporr, Aniviye tendered the apology while testifying before a panel of inquiry investigating the deaths in Minna, the Niger state capital.

Speaking at the second sitting of the panel chaired by Mohammed Mohammed, a judge, Aniviye appealed to the bereaved families for forgiveness, describing the incident as a costly mistake that could have been avoided.

Aniviye said the operation followed complaints from residents around M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate about mining activities in their communities.

He said he visited the site on September 15 before deploying mining marshals, who arrested the suspected illegal miners the following evening.

The suspended commandant said he learnt of the deaths through a telephone call on September 17 and returned to the command’s office, where he found the bodies lying on the detention cell floor.

Aniviye said he informed Umaru Bago, governor of Niger state, who directed that the bodies be taken to the mortuary.

He added that he also contacted the state commissioner of police and the director of the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to Aniviye, the suspects were scheduled to be arraigned on September 17 before their deaths.

Stephen Tsado, the state’s NSCDC legal officer; and Maryam Etang, a nurse attached to the command’s medical unit; also testified before the panel.

After the sitting, Mohammed led other panel members to the Minna General Hospital mortuary, where the victims’ bodies were kept.