Afenifere Leader Reuben Fasoranti Passes Away
POLITICS DIGEST – The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, has died. He was 100.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced Fasoranti’s death in a statement on Tuesday evening.
“With a heavy heart but with total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing of our revered elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who departed this world at the glorious age of 100,” the governor said.
“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.
“His counsel, fatherly guidance and principled stand on issues of justice and good governance will be sorely missed. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints of honour and legacy for generations to come.”
The governor, on behalf of the Government and people of Ondo State, commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the “people of Akure Kingdom and the entire State over this great loss”.
Fasoranti had celebrated his centenary birthday on May 11, 2026. Born in Uso, Ondo State, the elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, prominent politician, and foremost Afenifere leader. bagged a degree in English/Geography at the University College in Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan).
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He had a postgraduate diploma in Education at the University of Hull, United Kingdom, and a Master’s in Education Administration and School Management at Maguire University, Sydney, Australia. The Afenifere leader established schools such as the Omolere Nursery and Primary School in Akure, Akure High School, and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure.
The democracy activist worked as a teacher at his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, and other institutions in the Ondo-Akure axis. He was a member of the defunct Action Group in the First Republic.
Fasoranti served as Commissioner for Finance between 1979 and 1983 in the government of the late Adekunle Ajasin in old Ondo State.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu said he received the news of Fasoranti’s passing “with profound sadness”.
Describing him as “our father, patriarch, elder statesman, and foremost Afenifere leader”, the president, in a statement he personally issued, commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State and South-West Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family.
“Pa Fasoranti was an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family,” Tinubu said. “His life, spanning a century, was a lesson in integrity, discipline, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.
Recalling his days as an educationist and principal, the president said “Baba never wavered in his belief in true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all.”
“Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today. Pa Fasoranti distinguished himself in every respect: in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes,” he said.
“Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most.”
