The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide 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 whose contributions to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria would be remembered for generations.
“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 said Fasoranti’s century-long life was characterised by an uncommon commitment to the development of Ondo State and the country.
“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 added.
The governor, on behalf of the Ondo State Government and its people, commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state over the loss.
Fasoranti, a prominent politician, administrator and pro-democracy activist, celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11, 2026.
Born in Uso, Ondo State, he was widely known for his involvement in Yoruba political affairs and his leadership of Afenifere, a socio-political organisation that has played a significant role in advocating the interests of the Yoruba people and promoting democratic governance in Nigeria.
His political career began during the First Republic, when he became a member of the defunct Action Group, a political party associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He later served as Commissioner for Finance in the government of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983.
Beyond politics, Fasoranti made notable contributions to education, having worked as a teacher at Ondo Boys’ High School, his alma mater, and other educational institutions within the Ondo-Akure axis.
He also established several schools, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School in Akure, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure.
His commitment to education was reflected in his own academic pursuits. He obtained a degree in English and Geography from the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan.
He subsequently 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 Maguire University in Sydney, Australia.
Fasoranti’s career spanned education, public administration and political activism, earning him recognition as an elder statesman whose views on governance, justice and national development carried considerable weight.
His death marks the end of a century-long life that encompassed significant periods in Nigeria’s political evolution, from the First Republic through the country’s struggles for democratic governance and subsequent return to civil rule.
As tributes are expected to emerge from political leaders, associates and members of the Yoruba community, his legacy will be remembered through his involvement in public service, his contributions to education and his leadership within Afenifere.
