Taiwo Fasoranti, the immediate past Secretary to the Ondo State Government and son of Afenifere National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, is an Ondo Central senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. In this interview with PETER DADA, the medical doctor-turned-politician speaks on the forthcoming general elections, as well as state and national political issues, among other matters
Tou are the son of one of the most revered Yoruba leaders. How much has his name opened doors for you in your career?
Absolutely, and I’m proud to say so. It is my heritage. If I say Baba Fasoranti is my father, why should I be ashamed of it? He is my father, and I’m proud that he has upheld the family name with dignity and honour. There are people whose fathers’ names evoke negative reactions when mentioned, but Baba’s name commands respect everywhere. Anywhere I go, once I introduce myself as Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, people immediately ask if I’m related to Baba Fasoranti. Of course, his name opens doors, but I never allowed that to get into my head. Beyond carrying Baba’s name, I also worked hard to build myself. I studied medicine to consultant level, which is the highest professional level in medicine outside academic professorship. So yes, the name opens doors, but it does not diminish my personal accomplishments. In school, examinations are not marked by surname; they are marked by examination numbers.
What values did you learn from him that have shaped your life?
I learnt a great deal from my father. My parents raised us with a simple philosophy: if you have ten things, keep two for yourself and share the remaining eight with others. That principle has shaped my entire life. I believe that anything God blesses you with, which you cannot use to bless others, is not a blessing but a curse. Baba is a welfarist, a disciplined and compassionate man. Even at 100, he still pays school fees and awards scholarships to people. He calls individuals personally, asks about their needs and supports them from his pension. One thing I want to continue from him is that spirit of kindness — helping people and empowering them to become self-sustaining instead of merely giving handouts.
When you recently resigned your appointment as Secretary to the State Government to join the Senate race, many people said you left certainty for uncertainty. What gave you the courage?
I am a very deep thinker, and I believe many people were surprised when I declared my intention to contest for the Ondo Central Senatorial seat. Several factors informed my decision. I was raised in this environment, although many people may not know that. I speak three local dialects fluently — Akure, Ondo and Owo. That says a lot about my connection to the people and the community. Having served in top positions, including Chairman of the Hospital Management Board and later Secretary to the State Government, I was exposed to both the administrative and political realities of the state. Those positions opened my eyes to many challenges facing our communities. As Chairman of the Hospital Management Board, I travelled across the length and breadth of Ondo State and saw firsthand the conditions in which many communities live. As SSG and chief scribe of the state, I gained deeper insight into governance and public administration. Bringing all these experiences together helped me identify the deficiencies in our system and, more importantly, the possible solutions. I realised that there comes a time when one must stop observing problems and begin working toward solutions. Why wait? The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For me, contesting for the Senate is that first step toward addressing the issues I have seen over the years. It was ultimately a matter of conviction — the belief that I understand these problems, know where they stem from and can contribute meaningfully to solving them. That conviction gave me the courage to step forward at this time.
There is currently tension within the Ondo APC over the issue of consensus primaries, especially as many aspirants have obtained forms. It appears the consensus arrangement may no longer work, with direct primaries now likely. Do you think you can survive Monday’s primary?
Interestingly, I have not entertained the thought of losing because I remain very positive and confident that I will emerge victorious. However, to answer your question, there was no crisis in the Lagos State APC over consensus, and there was none in Osun State either. So we must look at the situation objectively. The governor is the leader of the party in the state, and the party initially adopted consensus, which is recognised by the party constitution as part of the primary process. Some aspirants still chose to obtain forms despite the party’s position, and that is the beauty of democracy. At the end of the day, all of us will go to the field on Monday to test our popularity. But I am a committed party man. If, in a free and fair election, the outcome goes otherwise, I will respect the wishes of both the people and the party. Politics should not be a do-or-die affair.
Some people say you are relatively new in the political system, that you lack a political structure and that your ambition is largely driven by strong backing from the government. How do you respond to that?
I simply want to offer myself in service to the people. I also think those who describe me merely as the government’s preferred candidate do not really know me well. As Secretary to the State Government, I served for about 14 months without blemish. Before that, I rose to directorate level in the federal civil service, which is no small feat. People talk about political structure, but let us look at Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa when he first emerged. Did he have a political structure before becoming governor? No. There are many politicians today who did not have established structures before getting elected, yet they have performed excellently in office. Whether I have a political structure or not, my primary concern is to be a good representative of my people.
If the outcome of the direct primary does not go in your favour, what would you do?
Although I do not see myself losing, if the people believe I have not done enough to convince them that I deserve the opportunity, then so be it. I will move on because I have another career outside politics. We need to move away from the idea that politics must always be a do-or-die affair. It should never be a case of ‘if it’s not me, then nobody else.’ That mindset must change. That said, I know I am capable. I believe I am qualified — academically, professionally and socially — and I have what it takes to bring meaningful democratic dividends to the Ondo Central Senatorial District.
Specifically, what democratic dividends do you intend to bring to the people if elected to the Senate?
I have a lot to offer. Even before now, during my time as Chairman of the Hospital Management Board, my records speak for themselves. Anyone can verify the impact I made, especially in helping people secure employment opportunities. I am not someone who keeps a record of every good deed, but I make it a personal duty to help at least one or two people every day. And when I talk about helping people, I do not mean simply giving out money. I mean identifying people’s qualifications and helping them find opportunities where they can thrive. It is about helping students secure scholarships and complete their education. My goal is to ensure that our sons and daughters are educated and do not abandon their dreams because of financial hardship. That is one reason I appreciate the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his commitment to students through scholarships and bursaries, especially for medical, nursing and pharmacy students. I personally worked closely with many of those students. Names were submitted, payments were processed and many were able to continue their education. Even from my personal resources, I know the support I have given quietly over the years. I always tell beneficiaries not to publicise what I have done for them. What I owe them is the opportunity to complete their education and take care of their families in the future. The welfare of the people remains very important to me. I do not believe in praising myself, but I also do not think anyone can honestly say that I did not impact lives as SSG or as Chairman of the Hospital Management Board. If I could do that outside the Senate, then people should expect even greater impact if given the opportunity to serve there. Women empowerment is also very important to me. I have worked closely with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, whom I believe runs one of the most impactful women empowerment programmes in the country through the Ministry of Women Affairs. If you empower a woman, you empower a nation. Supporting women and improving their welfare will remain one of my major priorities if elected to the Senate. I also intend to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigeria is undergoing renewal in several sectors — education, infrastructure, women empowerment and youth development. Through NELFUND, students now have greater access to educational support, universities are receiving attention and major road projects are ongoing across the country. Governor Aiyedatiwa has also aligned Ondo State with this Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that the people of the state are not left behind.
What do you intend to do differently in the Senate from what the current representative, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, who is also an aspirant, is doing?
As I have always said, I will not base my ambition on the perceived strengths or weaknesses of my opponent. I do not intend to focus on his record. Instead, I want people to evaluate me based on what I personally bring to the table. I have been a physician for more than 35 years — a family physician who has practised both within and outside Nigeria. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in healthcare, governance and public administration. Beyond that, I spent 15 years as a senior civil servant and also served at the highest levels of government. I worked as a physician in the Presidential Villa and lived in Abuja for 15 years. During that period, I built strong relationships across the legislative arm, the civil service and the corporate sector. I have friends, associates and networks in many strategic places. These are relationships and resources I intend to leverage to attract opportunities and development to Ondo State and particularly the Ondo Central Senatorial District.
So, rather than compare myself with my opponent, I want people to assess my own track record — my service as a doctor, civil servant, administrator and community leader. Let the people decide whether, based on my experience and record, I can be trusted to represent them effectively in Abuja and use my network and experience to bring the needed benefits to the district.
It was gathered that your father and the father of the current senator were political associates and close friends. Do you think your ambition could affect the relationship between both families?
I think we should look at politics from a broader perspective. To me, politics is not an emotional contest. Public service should be driven by conviction and by what one believes one can offer the people. The Fasoranti and Adegbonmire families have shared a long-standing relationship and friendship over the years. But should the fact that my friend, brother or associate occupies a position stop me from aspiring to the same office if I believe I am qualified? I do not think that would be fair. The important question should be: am I qualified in all ramifications to seek that office? I believe I am. We should not approach politics with unnecessary emotions or sentiment. The friendship between both families remains intact.
Beyond the Senate, do you have any higher political ambition in the future?
Only God knows tomorrow. Right now, my focus is entirely on the Ondo Central Senatorial District. My immediate goal is to secure the party’s ticket, go to Abuja and represent my people effectively so that they can be proud of my service. I do not believe in overcalculating future political positions. At the right time, God will determine what comes next.
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