By Reloaded News Desk
Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced his death in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, describing the late elder statesman as a prominent figure whose life was devoted to public service and the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“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 contributions to public life, as well as his counsel on justice and good governance, would be greatly missed. He also extended the condolences of the Ondo State Government to the deceased’s family, the people of Akure Kingdom and residents of the state.
Born on May 11, 1926, Fasoranti attained the age of 100 in May this year, marking a century that spanned some of the most significant political developments in Nigeria’s history.
A trained educationist, Fasoranti began his professional career in teaching before becoming involved in politics. He was associated with the political tradition of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and remained a prominent voice in progressive politics, particularly in southwestern Nigeria.
During the Second Republic, he served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State from 1979 to 1983. His career also included participation in pro-democracy activities during military rule, when demands for democratic governance and respect for constitutional rights became central to Nigeria’s political struggles.
Fasoranti later emerged as the leader of Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political organisation with roots in the progressive political tradition associated with Awolowo. Under his leadership, the organisation continued to participate in national debates on restructuring, federalism, democratic governance and the protection of Yoruba interests.
His public life was also marked by personal tragedy. In July 2019, his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, was killed in an attack by gunmen along the Ondo-Ore road, an incident that renewed national attention on insecurity and the safety of travellers in the country.
Fasoranti’s death marks the end of a long chapter in Yoruba political history, particularly for a generation whose political experiences extended from the struggle against colonial rule through military government to Nigeria’s present democratic system.
Further details concerning funeral arrangements and plans by Afenifere and the Ondo State Government to honour the late leader are expected to emerge.
May his soul rest in peace.
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