EXIT OF A 20TH-CENTURY SOCRATES: BARR. KAYODE TAIWO SAMSON MOURNS, CELEBRATES CHIEF R.F. FASORANTI
Describes Late Political Icon as a Living Legend Whose Legacy of Discipline, Dignity and Intellectualism Will Endure
Barr. Kayode Taiwo Samson, LLM, Esq., LCDA Chairman, has mourned the passage of Chief R.F. Fasoranti, describing him as a living political legend whose multifarious legacies of discipline, humanity, and dignity will continue to inspire generations.
In his heartfelt tribute, Barr. Samson declared: “Our dear father, we mourn your passage, and we also celebrate you as a living political legend with multifarious legacies of discipline, humanity, and dignity personified.”
He described the late elder statesman as a national leader, Afenifere leader, and NADECO chieftain who would always attend his ward meetings and visit his boys at home to know about their welfare.
According to him, Baba was their dear SOCRATES, a political figure whose life and leadership embodied the enduring principles associated with the great Greek philosopher.
He recalled the late leader’s Socratic dialogue, Socratic intellectualism, Socratic irony, Socratic method or elenchus, Socratic paradox, and Socratic questioning as defining features of his political engagement and intellectual influence.
“Baba taught us political epistemology and ethics,” he stated, emphasising the depth of knowledge, wisdom, and political understanding the late leader imparted to his followers.
Barr. Samson noted that, like Socrates, Papa exerted a very strong influence on his followers and would always initiate political discussions, encouraging intellectual engagement and a deeper understanding of political issues.
He further described the late leader’s threshold of political trajectory as local politics, discipline, dignity, humility, and a highly cerebral and cosmopolitan outlook.
According to him, Baba was very accessible and accommodating but also highly disciplined. He stressed that loyalty was a fundamental principle of the late leader’s political philosophy, declaring: “You must be LOYAL, else you are gone.”
Barr. Samson fondly recalled that Baba Omolere House served as a political Jerusalem for them, a place of political learning, discussions, guidance, and inspiration for those who looked up to the late elder statesman.
He lamented that the people of Lisa Ward 5, Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Yoruba land, and Nigeria as a whole had lost a rare political gem whose influence transcended his immediate political environment.
In his emotional farewell, he declared: “Adieu, our Baba. Adieu, our political SOCRATES. Adieu, our dear leader.”
He concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the late political icon, whose contributions, values, and enduring influence would remain deeply cherished by his followers and admirers.
Rest in Peace, Baba. Your legacy lives on.