Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sadness over the deaths of the late Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, and former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on October 20, 2026, Obasanjo described Fasoranti as one of the last remaining titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria, anchoring their public service on exemplary character, deep sacrifice and unwavering integrity.

According to Obasanjo, “His life was a masterclass in purposeful longevity, leadership without blemish, and an absolute dedication to the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.”

The former president added that Fasoranti’s death marked the end of an extraordinary era.

“As an educationist, Baba understood early on that building a nation required building its people. Long before he stepped into the turbulent waters of politics, he was in the classrooms, moulding minds, instilling discipline, and building character as a principal across various historic institutions,” he said.

Obasanjo recalled that Fasoranti’s tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) administration remained a shining example of fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability—virtues he said had become painfully rare in contemporary Nigerian politics.

“When the mantle of leading Afenifere fell upon him during a period of fragmentation and national uncertainty, Baba did not falter. He stepped up as a unifying anchor. He led with a calm, stoic and resolute authority that derived its strength not from loud proclamations, but from the immense moral weight of his convictions.

“In times of national crisis, he stood firmly against military dictatorship, braved threats to his life, and remained an unyielding voice for true federalism, justice and equity,” the former president said.

Reflecting on their personal relationship, Obasanjo said he would always remember Fasoranti’s warmth and open-door policy.

“Even when we found ourselves on different sides of political debates, our mutual respect never waned. I remember with fondness visiting him in Akure, where he always offered wise counsel with standard dignity,” he added.

Obasanjo Recalls Uduaghan’s Contributions to Delta State

On Uduaghan, Obasanjo said he received news of the former governor’s death with sadness, describing him as a gentleman, a dedicated medical professional and a consummate statesman who helped guide Delta State through critical periods of socio-political development.

“Nigeria has lost a fine gentleman, a dedicated medical professional, and a consummate statesman whose steady hands guided Delta State through critical periods of socio-political development,” he said.

Obasanjo recalled his interactions with Uduaghan during his presidency, when the latter served under former Delta State Governor James Ibori, first as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

“I fondly remember my close interactions with Emmanuel during my tenure as President, when he served with distinction under Governor James Ibori, first as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

“Even during those turbulent political eras and the intense regional agitations in the Niger Delta, Emmanuel stood out as a brilliant administrator and a calm voice of reason,” he said.

The former president noted that Uduaghan’s administrative abilities and commitment to the peace and development of Delta State were evident in their engagements on healthcare policies and complex federal-state relations.

“Whether we were interfacing on critical healthcare policies or navigating complex federal-state dynamics, his administrative acumen and loyalty to the peace and progress of Delta State were always evident.

“It was during those intense years of engagement that I grew to respect his intellect and problem-solving capacity, traits that prepared him seamlessly for the higher calling of leadership when he assumed office as Executive Governor in 2007,” Obasanjo said.