Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, lamented the level of underdevelopment in Nigeria, saying “things are getting worse in the country.”

Mr Fasoranti spoke at his hometown of Akure, the Ondo state capital, while interacting with journalists, to mark the celebration of his 97th birthday.

He observed that the country had been plagued with a high rate of insecurity, unemployment and economic downturn, adding that he was yet to experience the Nigeria he dreamt of.

“No. This is not the Nigeria of my dream. Things are getting worse, but we only hope those we are leaving behind would try and do their best because what we are seeing now is not good for the country at all.

“But I want the government to give priority to unemployment. People are not gainfully employed and things are getting worse every day. I hope the government would try and look into it and the security of the land,” Mr Fasoranti told journalists.

Peoples Gazette reports that the foremost Afenifere leader and elder statesman, Mr Fasoranti, today, clocked 97. 

The nonagenarian, who lost his daughter, Mrs Funke Olakunrin, in a brutal attack on July 12, 2019, however, appreciated God for the journey spent so far in life.

Mr Fasoranti said he had already lived a fulfilled life with his consistency of continually saying truth to power at all times.

“I have seen it all. I have seen the worst and I have seen the best. I lost my wife, I lost my daughter. She was shot dead but generally, I have to thank God for everything,” he added.

He, however, advised the incoming administration to ensure the restructuring of the country, noting that the welfare of the people should be made a priority.

Olusegun Mimiko, former governor of Ondo, described Pa Fasoranti as a great community leader who has a passion for the development of the country.

Mr Mimiko said the elder statesman was born to be a leader; both in the community, in the church and his ethnic nationality, stressing that he has taught many how to to also lead by example.

“He listens very well; he aggregates views and comes out with very enlightened opinions, and we all queue behind him, so we have a lot of respect for him. Baba also teaches us how to live with humility and class. And also, this is a man who has taught us how to handle personal tragedy.

“What else do you have to say other than thank God for his life? I pray to God that we will all be here to celebrate his centenary; we will all be looking forward to it, and I pray to God Almighty that even in his lifetime he will see progress in Nigeria.

“Behind his heart, he is very concerned about Nigeria. He hates poverty; he wants this country to develop; he wants Nigeria to fulfil its destiny,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the national organising secretary of the apex Yoruba group, Mr Kole Omololu saluted the courage of the Afenifere leader for his selfless service to mankind.

Mr Omololu said his closeness to Pa Fasoranti has further taught him the benefits of being humble, especially within your community.

“Throughout my stay in the United Kingdom, I didn’t have the opportunity of being very close to Obafemi Awolowo, and now I have the privilege of being close to this man (Fasoranti), who epitomises what Obafemi Awolowo as the second Oduduwa epitomised for us.

“Humbleness, service for the community before self, egalitarian society for everybody, a leader that listens to all the members before he takes a decision. These are the kinds of things I love about Baba Fasoranti,” he added.

The Gazette reports that a lecture to further mark the birthday celebration of the Afenifere leader has been slated for Friday at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA).