By The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission on Tuesday, May 5, held another edition of its Yoruba Historical Talk at Carlton Gate Xclusive Hotel, Agodi, Ibadan, in honour of Afeniferi leader, Pa Reuben Fashoranti, as he marks his 100th birthday.
The Commission, which focuses on Yoruba affairs across the six South-West states, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos and Ekiti, organised the event as part of activities celebrating the centenary of the elder statesman.
Although Pa Fashoranti, whose birthday comes up next Monday, was unavoidably absent, the event drew several prominent dignitaries. Among them were Ajasin Adetokunbo, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Otunba Deji Osunbogun, Dr Tunde Adegbola, Professor Omolara (DVC, Lead City University), Professor Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Rasheed Olaniyi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu and Professor Ayodeji Oladimeji Olukoju, who delivered the guest lecture.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye while welcoming the participants stressed on the declining value placed on historical knowledge among younger generations.
”One of the challenges we have as a country is that we have actually relegated our history, and my saying is always that if you do not know where you are coming from, you will struggle to know where you are presently and definitely not know where you are going,” he said.
He added that the historical conversation series was initiated to strengthen awareness of the past as a guide to understanding the present and shaping the future, noting that history is increasingly being downplayed or ignored.
In her goodwill message, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu described Pa Fashoranti and his contemporaries as selfless leaders who served without expectation of reward.
”They came from a generation in which they asked for nothing and they gave everything,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Afeniferi family, Senator Femi Okurounmu commended the DAWN Commission for organising the event as part of the centenary celebration. He also conveyed the celebrant’s apology for his absence due to age-related constraints.
”He has asked me to express his regrets for his absence, which was unavoidable due to the exigencies of old age,” he stated.
Delivering the guest lecture titled Leadership and Service: A Holistic View of Political Leadership in Western Nigeria from the 1950s to 1983, Professor Ayodeji Oladimeji Olukoju noted that the lecture was intended to provoke reflection rather than merely present a speech. He described 1983 as a turning point in the political history of Western Nigeria.
”This discourse provides a forum for stakeholders in the commonwealth of Western Nigeria to reflect on the past, challenge one another, and chart a path to a better future for ourselves and for our children,” he said.
Professor Olukoju, who described himself as a bystander rather than a politician, being the son of a former politician, Honourable Israel Adeniyi Olukoju, recounted political developments during the early post-independence crises in the Western Region. He noted that both his father and Pa Fashoranti were Awoists during the turbulent 1960s period.
He paid tribute to the nonagenarian, describing him as “an exemplar of leadership, service and integrity,” and emphasised the need to draw inspiration from past leaders.
Highlighting contemporary challenges, he pointed out the difficulty of producing leaders of the calibre of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, urging a deliberate effort to address political issues constructively across the region. In his recommendations, Professor Olukoju stressed the importance of understanding governance through historical perspectives.
”The people should learn from history, in a constructive perspective, what good governance means and how to achieve it,” he noted.
He further cautioned political leaders against pursuing projects aimed solely at gaining cheap popularity without meaningful impact. He called for inclusive participation in regional development and urged leaders to prioritise value over vanity.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Adetokunbo Ajasin on behalf of Afeniferi, followed by a group photograph with grandchildren representing Pa Fashoranti.
