The pan-Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere, has constituted a 32-member burial committee to oversee arrangements for the funeral of its late leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.
The decision was announced at a meeting held at Fasoranti’s residence in Akure on Tuesday by the Chairman of Afenifere’s National Executive Committee, Oba Olu Falae, who presided over the gathering.
Oba Falae said a tentative list of 32 nominees had been submitted to the Fasoranti family for consideration, adding that the list was not final as more members of the organisation could be nominated to join the committee.
He disclosed that St David’s Anglican Church, Ijomu, Akure, where the funeral service will take place, had fixed Thursday, December 17, 2026, for the ceremony.
According to him, the family and Afenifere accepted the date because the late elder statesman would not have supported disrupting another person’s programme to accommodate his own.
He added that the burial committee would comprise Afenifere members and representatives of other groups that had previously met at Ogbo in Ogun State. The committee is expected to work with the family’s burial committee and the government’s committee to organise a befitting funeral.
Those on the tentative list include Oba Samuel Falae, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Chief Supo Shonibare, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Tola Mobulurin, Otunba Dr Samuel Ibikunle, Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Aluko, Dr Segun Mimiko and Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Others are Dr Gbola Adetunji, Hon. Wale Oshun, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, Chief Pekun Awobona, Engr. Bayo Adenekan, Chief Lekan Alabi, Abagun Kole Omololu, Dr Akin Onigbinde, SAN, Prof. Akin Onigbinde, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Dr David Atte, Chief Ayo Abereoran, Hon. Lanre Omisore, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Otunba Deji Wellington, Mrs Nike Olujembola, Mrs Oluwatoyin Falade, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Arc. Goke Omigbodun and Chief Ademola Folarin.
Oba Falae, however, said the organisation did not discuss succession, describing any move to address the issue at this stage as premature and inconsistent with Yoruba culture.
Meanwhile, the Fasoranti family has appealed to Afenifere members to close ranks, resolve their differences and preserve the late leader’s legacy by ensuring that the organisation remains a united force among the Yoruba people.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Olori Rachael Falae described the deceased as a quiet, disciplined and trustworthy leader whose integrity shaped his public and private life.
She said Fasoranti demonstrated dedication during his years in public service, including his time as a local government chairman and school principal. According to her, his tenure as council chairman witnessed the construction of important roads in Akure, including the road linking the A Division Police Station to the State Hospital and the road from the NEPA roundabout to the St Thomas’s area.
“Papa was a very quiet person and highly disciplined, and this discipline he carried even into his political life. He was a leader who could be trusted,” she said.
Olori Falae recalled that the late leader remained committed to his responsibilities despite the demands of public office, travelling from Oyo to preside over council meetings before returning to spend weekends with his family.
She added that his influence extended beyond politics, noting that residents of Akure frequently brought difficult matters to his home for resolution.
Recalling the reaction to his death, she said the Deji of Akure had asked how the community would find another leader like Fasoranti, underscoring the respect he commanded among residents.
“I am appealing to the Afenifere group that they should please let this attitude remain, that they should work together and ensure that Afenifere stands for something that is good, something unique, something that can bring our people together,” she said.
The elder statesman died peacefully at his Akure residence last week, five months after celebrating his 100th birthday.
The family said it expected Afenifere members, residents of Akure, representatives of the Anglican Church and state governors to participate in the funeral programme scheduled for December 17, 2026.
