Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has died at the age of 100, marking the end of a long life associated with political activism, public service and the struggle for good governance in Nigeria.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced the elder statesman’s death in a statement he personally issued on Tuesday, expressing condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and residents of the state.
Aiyedatiwa described the late Fasoranti as a respected elder whose life was defined by integrity, wisdom and commitment to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
The governor said the nonagenarian-turned-centenarian would be remembered for his principled positions on justice and good governance, as well as his guidance to political leaders and members of the community.
The statement read, “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.
“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.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire State over this great loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Fasoranti’s death marks a significant moment for Afenifere, one of the prominent Yoruba socio-political organisations that has played a longstanding role in debates on regional interests, restructuring, federalism and democratic governance in Nigeria.
A committed follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s political philosophy, Fasoranti was widely associated with the progressive political tradition and the advocacy for a more equitable Nigerian federation.
His leadership of Afenifere placed him at the centre of discussions on the political future of the Yoruba people and the wider Nigerian state, particularly on questions of justice, national unity and good governance.
Over the years, the organisation has remained an influential voice in national affairs, often expressing positions on constitutional reform, security, political accountability and the distribution of power among Nigeria’s federating units.
Fasoranti’s long public life and continued involvement in these conversations earned him recognition as one of the prominent elder statesmen in the South-West.
His death is expected to draw tributes from political leaders, traditional institutions, Yoruba organisations and other Nigerians reflecting on his contributions to public life.
As the Fasoranti family and the people of Ondo State mourn his passing, his legacy will be remembered through his decades of political engagement and his advocacy for justice, integrity and good governance.