Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the revered Yoruba elder statesman and national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.

Announcing the death of the centenarian, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement personally signed on Tuesday, mourned the death of the elder statesman and community leader.

Aiyedatiwa described the late Fasoranti as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose contributions to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria would remain indelible.

The governor, in a condolence message issued on Tuesday, said the centenarian’s fatherly counsel, guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be sorely missed.

He said Fasoranti lived a fulfilled life and left behind an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations.

“Pa Fasoranti was a patriarch, a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of our dear State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large,” Aiyedatiwa said.

Aiyedatiwa, who expressed sadness over the elder statesman’s death, said his administration and the people of Ondo State shared in the grief of the deceased’s family and associates.

On behalf of the state government and its people, the governor extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, and the entire state over the loss.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations of a plot to assassinate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Campaign Council, made the denial while reacting to the allegation raised by Timi Frank, a member of the ADC.

The council urged Frank to submit any evidence in his possession to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation, stressing that any credible threat to life must be treated seriously, irrespective of political affiliation.

It categorically denied any involvement by President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency or the APC in an alleged plot targeting Atiku or any other opposition figure.

The council also dismissed reports that security personnel attached to the former vice-president had been withdrawn, insisting that Atiku remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to the statement, President Tinubu recently directed security agencies to strengthen security arrangements for all presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the political implications of the allegation, Alake described the assassination claims as “typical opposition rabble-rousing”, accusing those behind them of attempting to heighten political tension and attract international attention through social media.

“Let our political competition be peaceful, lawful, and focused on the big issues that matter to Nigerians, not character assassination or wild, baseless allegations,” the statement read.

The APC Campaign Council further highlighted Tinubu’s longstanding experience in opposition politics, urging candidates, political parties and their supporters to remain factual and responsible in their public statements.

It called on political actors to uphold democratic values and ensure that the build-up to the 2027 general elections remains peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to respond to a suit seeking to compel the release of records of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order when the matter came up for hearing.

The Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation had filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1812/2026.

The group prayed the court to compel the NYSC to disclose documents supporting the minister’s claim that he completed the mandatory one-year national service.

The foundation also sought an order of mandamus directing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the 2nd respondent, to produce records showing that the minister did his primary assignment at the FCTA.

When the case was called, counsel to the applicant, Chief Solomon Akuma, SAN, told the court he was ready to proceed with the hearing.

However, Abiola Olaniji, who appeared for the minister, said he had filed an application for Tunji-Ojo to be joined as the 3rd respondent.

Olaniji said the applicant (foundation) had responded with a counter affidavit raising serious issues, to which he needed time to reply.

The lawyer stated that the minister was ready to take part in the proceedings as an interested party.

But Akuma opposed the application, arguing that the minister was not a proper party.

He said the suit only sought an order of mandamus compelling the respondents (NYSC and FCTA) to produce documents that are not in the minister’s custody.

Justice Ibrahim directed the minister to file and serve his reply to the applicant’s counter affidavit, which opposed his application to be joined as a party in the suit before the next hearing date.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Oct. 18 for hearing.

The applicant had sought from the NYSC the mobilisation or call-up letter issued to Tunji-Ojo in 2006 or any other year; the posting letter to the FCTA in 2006 or any other year; and his application for mobilisation.

It also sought the evidence of approval of his remobilisation by the NYSC’s Director-General; evidence of payment of allowances to him; the record of his Community Development Service and his discharge certificate.

The foundation equally sought from the FCTA, the mobilisation or call-up letter, the posting letter, his attendance record during the service year, evidence of any allowance paid to him, among others.

It said the application was brought under Section 14 of the Federal High Court Act, Order 34 Rules 1, 2 and 5 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.

It also cited Sections 20, 21 and 25 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

(NAN)