The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-West, Prince Diran Iyantan, has described the death of the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, as a major loss to progressive politics in Nigeria.

Iyantan said the death of the 100-year-old elder statesman marked the departure of one of the remaining pillars of the old progressive generation, whose political beliefs were rooted in integrity, ideological consistency and selfless service.

In a statement mourning Fasoranti, the APC chieftain described him as one of the country's remaining moral compasses, whose influence was built on the strength of his convictions rather than political office, wealth or power.

He said Fasoranti's death represented the closing of another chapter in the history of the Awolowo progressive movement and the fading of one of the last influential voices of an era when political conviction and personal integrity defined leadership.

Iyantan, who recalled the relationship between the late Afenifere leader and his father, said the two men shared political ideals, mutual respect and a commitment to the collective good.

He said Fasoranti remained a living connection to the generation of political leaders whose sacrifices and ideological consistency shaped his political consciousness.

According to him, the old Afenifere generation was more than a group of political leaders, describing it as a school of thought that contributed to the advancement of Yoruba interests and Nigeria's democratic development.

He lamented that Fasoranti's death had left a significant gap in the preservation of the political history and ideals of the old progressive movement.

The APC leader urged political leaders, particularly those who identify with the progressive tradition, to reflect on how to preserve its principles and pass them on to younger generations.

He said the younger generation must understand that political loyalty should be anchored in principles, public office should be treated as a trust, and leadership should be measured by service rather than self-importance.

Iyantan noted that Fasoranti witnessed Nigeria's transition from colonial rule to independence, experienced successive political dispensations and lived to see the restoration and consolidation of democratic government.

He said the late elder statesman's continued involvement in the country's political, educational and moral conversations throughout his long life was an exceptional achievement.

While urging Nigerians to celebrate Fasoranti's life, Iyantan said his legacy should be honoured through a commitment to the principles he upheld.

He extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure and Ondo State, the Afenifere family, the progressive political community and Nigerians mourning the elder statesman's death.

He also commiserated with Dr Taiwo Fasoranti and other members of the family, saying the task of preserving the late leader's legacy extended beyond his immediate household.

Iyantan said Fasoranti's death had left a moral responsibility for those who subscribe to progressive ideals to ensure that the values he represented remained relevant.

“Baba Fasoranti has gone. Another lantern of the old progressive generation has been extinguished. But the light he carried must not be allowed to die,” he said.