The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, has died at the age of 100.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced his death in a statement on Tuesday evening, describing the late elder statesman as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service.
“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.
Aiyedatiwa described Fasoranti’s life as one marked by an unwavering commitment to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
On behalf of the Ondo State Government and its people, the governor extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and residents of the state.
Fasoranti celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11, 2026. Born in Uso, Ondo State, he was an educationist, administrator, pro-democracy activist, politician and prominent leader of the Afenifere movement.
He obtained a degree in English and Geography from University College Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan. He later earned a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom and a master’s degree in Education Administration and School Management from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
A committed educationist, Fasoranti established several schools, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School in Akure, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure.
He began his teaching career at his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, and subsequently taught at other institutions in the Ondo-Akure area.
Fasoranti was also a member of the defunct Action Group during Nigeria’s First Republic. Between 1979 and 1983, he served as Commissioner for Finance in the administration of the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State.
Tinubu mourns Fasoranti
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over Fasoranti’s death, describing him as a revered elder statesman and one of the foremost figures in the Afenifere movement.
In a statement personally issued by the president, Tinubu extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government and people, 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,” the president said.
He described Fasoranti’s century-long life as an example of integrity, discipline, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and Nigeria’s unity and progress.
Recalling Fasoranti’s career as an educationist and school principal, Tinubu said the late Afenifere leader remained steadfast in his advocacy for true federalism, social justice and a Nigeria that works for all.
The president also paid tribute to Fasoranti’s role in the struggle for democracy, noting that he made significant contributions to the country despite the risks involved.
“Pa Fasoranti distinguished himself in every respect: in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes,” Tinubu said.
He added that Nigeria would deeply miss the late elder statesman’s wisdom, moral authority and fatherly guidance, particularly at a time when the country needed such leadership.
Fasoranti was a prominent figure in the progressive political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and remained an influential voice on governance, democracy and the interests of the Yoruba people.
