The 99-year-old leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, while specifically backing the return of prominent Southwest lawmakers, including Senator Gbenga Daniel and other National Assembly members from the region.
In a significant political development that could reshape the 2027 electoral landscape, Chief Fasoranti, who holds the title of Asiwaju Yoruba, expressed unwavering support for both the president and key Southwest legislators in a two-page letter dated May 10, 2025.
The endorsement is particularly notable for its specific mention of continued support for National Assembly members from the Southwest, with Senator Gbenga Daniel standing out as a key beneficiary of the elder statesman’s backing.
Letter of Commendation to President Tinubu
Addressing President Tinubu as “Omo Yoruba Àtàtà” (illustrious son of Yoruba heritage), Chief Fasoranti praised the administration’s economic restructuring efforts, describing them as part of a “quiet revolution” necessary for national rebirth.
“We have got your back, as always,” the nonagenarian wrote, acknowledging that while economic reforms come with “painful costs,” they represent essential steps for a nation undergoing transformation.
Support for Southwest Legislative Delegation
Chief Fasoranti extended his gratitude to National Assembly members from the Southwest, including Senator Daniel, “across all party lines who have chosen to cooperate with you in your efforts at repositioning Nigeria.”
The Afenifere leader made a specific appeal for political continuity, urging President Tinubu to ensure that Southwest lawmakers who have supported his agenda, including Daniel, continue in their roles through 2027.
“I will appreciate, immensely too, wherever you can do in this regard, to ensure continuity of all of them so that as you started together, you can also take the race to the end together,” he wrote.
Recognition of Development Initiatives
Chief Fasoranti specifically commended the establishment of regional economic development initiatives, including the South West Development Commission, viewing these as crucial building blocks for sustained national growth and development.
He described President Tinubu’s approach as steering Nigeria toward “irreversible development, the quest for national identity and uninterrupted growth.”
Personal Bond and Heritage Pride
The letter reflected deep personal respect, with Chief Fasoranti describing his conversations with President Tinubu as discussions “between father and son; between brothers of common heritage.”
He expressed particular pride in Tinubu’s role in “exporting the values of enterprise for which our forebears are known to the national psyche.”
Traditional Blessings and Future Hopes
The endorsement concluded with traditional Yoruba blessings, including “Bola, o’ò ní té l’ójú omo aráyé” (Bola, you will not face shame before the world) and “Odua a gbe wa o” (May Oduduwa support us).
Chief Fasoranti expressed confidence that Tinubu’s “goodness and openness in leadership” would continue to guide him through any adversities, serving as an example for younger Yoruba leaders.
Political Implications for 2027
This endorsement from one of the most respected voices in Yoruba politics represents a significant boost for both President Tinubu’s re-election bid and the political fortunes of Southwest legislators like Senator Gbenga Daniel.
The backing signals strong regional solidarity and could influence voter sentiment across the Southwest in the upcoming electoral cycle, particularly given Chief Fasoranti’s moral authority and decades of political leadership in the region.
Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti holds the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and serves as both the Leader of Afenifere and Asiwaju Yoruba.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
