Nigeria has lost one of its most prominent elder statesmen, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the respected leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, who died at the age of 100.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced his passing on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, describing the late politician as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Born on 11 May 1926 in Uso, present-day Ondo State, Fasoranti began his career as an educationist before becoming deeply involved in politics and the struggle for democratic governance.
He studied at the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan, and later obtained further qualifications in education in the United Kingdom and Australia. He taught in several schools and established educational institutions, including Akure High School and Omolere Nursery and Primary School.
Fasoranti’s political journey was closely linked to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose progressive ideals shaped his involvement in the Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.
Between 1979 and 1983, he served as Commissioner for Finance in the administration of former Ondo State Governor Adekunle Ajasin.
He also played a role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, joining other activists who opposed military rule and demanded the restoration of democratic governance. His involvement in the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, further cemented his reputation as a committed advocate of democracy.
Following the death of Afenifere’s former leader, Abraham Adesanya, Fasoranti emerged as a leading figure in the organisation, which champions Yoruba interests, restructuring and social justice.
However, his later years were marked by disagreements within Afenifere, particularly over political alignments ahead of the 2023 presidential election. While Fasoranti supported President Bola Tinubu, another faction led by the late Ayo Adebanjo backed Peter Obi.
Beyond politics, Fasoranti endured personal tragedies, including the death of his wife in 1991 and the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, by gunmen in July 2019.
Despite these losses, he remained an influential voice on governance, national security and Nigeria’s political future.
President Tinubu has mourned the late elder statesman, praising his commitment to integrity, public service, true federalism and social justice.
Fasoranti’s death marks the end of a century-long journey through Nigeria’s colonial era, independence, military rule and democratic development.
He leaves behind a legacy of education, political activism and public service that will remain part of Nigeria’s history.
May his soul rest in peace.
