At Pa Reuben Fasoranti’s 99th birthday celebration in Akure, Otunba Gbenga Daniel called for a revival of Yoruba values through the Omoluabi ethos
Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has delivered a powerful keynote at the 99th birthday anniversary of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, organised by the UI Alumni in Akure on May 10, 2025.
The speech, themed “A Strong and United Yoruba Race as Panacea for Reviving Vanishing Yoruba Values and Culture,” was a cultural and moral call to action.
Highlighting Pa Fasoranti’s life of integrity, service, and purpose, Daniel described the elder statesman as a living embodiment of the revered Yoruba principle of Omoluabi.
“Baba Fasoranti has not only lived long, but has lived well. He added value to his years by choosing a path of impact,” Otunba Daniel noted.
He traced Baba’s journey from Uso, Ondo State to his years as a teacher, principal, and Commissioner of Finance under the Pa Ajasin government, emphasising his integrity—citing his honourable release after the 1983 coup trials as evidence.
To be blessed with long life is divine, but to add value to longevity through impact is a personal choice.
According to OGD, as he is fondly called, the Yoruba worldview places character (iwa) at the centre of personal and communal identity.
“To be an Omoluabi is to act justly, speak truthfully, and promote harmony,” he explained, listing honesty, respect, courage, and wisdom as core elements.
He warned of Nigeria’s ethical decay—where materialism, impunity, and the erosion of values now dominate.
He stressed that leadership reflects society, not the other way around, and advocated for a moral reset grounded in indigenous values.
Daniel called on Afenifere to lead this cultural revival. He positioned the group as a legitimate platform for spreading the Omoluabi ethos across Nigeria and urged it to unify Yoruba progressives regardless of political leanings.
He concluded that embracing the Omoluabi ideal, both as individuals and institutions, offers a path to national renewal.
“To be seen as Afenifere, one must embody the values of justice, progress, and social harmony,” he affirmed.
See full speech below.
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