Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the revered Yoruba elder statesman and national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced the death in a statement personally signed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, describing the late elder statesman as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless public service.
Aiyedatiwa said Fasoranti’s contributions to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria would remain an enduring part of the country’s political and social history.
“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.
He added that Fasoranti’s counsel, fatherly guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be greatly missed.
On behalf of the Ondo State Government, Aiyedatiwa extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure and residents of the state over the loss.
A Life Dedicated to Education and Public Service
Born on May 11, 1926, in Akure, Ondo State, Fasoranti built a career spanning education, politics and pro-democracy activism.
He studied at the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan, and subsequently pursued further studies in education in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Before becoming one of the most prominent voices in Yoruba politics, he worked as an educationist and school administrator. His commitment to education remained a defining feature of his public life.
Fasoranti later entered politics and became associated with the progressive political tradition of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was involved in the Action Group during Nigeria’s First Republic and later aligned with the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
Between 1979 and 1983, he served as Commissioner for Finance in the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State.
A Prominent Voice in Afenifere
Fasoranti emerged as a leading figure in Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation associated with advocacy for restructuring, federalism, democratic governance and the protection of Yoruba interests.
Following the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya, Fasoranti became the organisation’s recognised leader and continued to influence debates on Nigeria’s political future.
His public interventions frequently reflected the progressive ideals associated with Awolowo’s political tradition, including calls for accountable leadership, fairness and a more balanced federal arrangement.
He was also associated with the struggle against military rule and the campaign for the restoration of democratic government.
His life was marked by personal tragedy as well as public service. In July 2019, his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, was killed in an attack along the Ondo-Ore Expressway, a tragedy that drew national attention to insecurity on Nigerian highways.
Tributes Expected From Political Leaders
Fasoranti’s death marks the end of a century-long life that spanned Nigeria’s colonial period, independence, military rule and the return to civilian government.
In May 2026, President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to him on his 100th birthday, recognising his contributions as an educationist, politician, pro-democracy activist and Afenifere leader.
His passing is expected to renew reflections on his role in Yoruba political history and the wider struggle for democratic governance and national development.
Further details concerning funeral arrangements and official tributes are expected from the family and relevant authorities.