Fasoranti dies

By Banji Ayoola

Elderstaresman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti has passed on.

He died five months after his 100th birthday.

His death was announced by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday.

In a statement by his spokesman , Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor spoke glowingly of the departed elder statesman who he said lived an unblemished life of selfless service to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

According to the statement, “Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has expressed grief over the death of renowned elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.

The governor, in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, described the late Pa Fasoranti as a patriarch and a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose life was devoted to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Aiyedatiwa said the late elder statesman’s century-long life was marked by an uncommon commitment to public service and the advancement of society.

He noted that Pa Fasoranti’s counsel, fatherly guidance and principled positions on issues of justice and good governance would be sorely missed.

According to the governor, the deceased lived a fulfilled life and left behind an enduring legacy of honour that would continue to inspire generations.

Aiyedatiwa said his passing was a great loss not only to his immediate family but also to the people of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State and the country at large.

He, therefore, extended the condolences of the Ondo State Government and its people to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state.

The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman, urging his family and associates to take solace in his remarkable life and enduring contributions to society.”

Fasoranti, a disciple of the legendary politician, Yoruba leader and first Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, played a prominent role in the struggle to revalidate the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the multimillionaire philanthropist Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola.

He was the right hand man of Chief Michael Adekumle Ajasin, a fiercely principled elder statesman, and first Ondo State civilian governor, Chief Michael Adekumle Ajasin, who led both Afenifere and the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, that led the pro-democracy struggles which forced the military to abdicate power in 1999.

Also Fasoranti was the right man of Ajasin’s successor, Chief Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya as NADECO Leader and Afenifere Leader.

Fasoranti who was born on May 11, 1926, in Akure, Ondo State, clocked 100 in May 2026.

He studied att the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan. He also obtained 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 Macquarie University in Australia.

A professional Teacher and Educationist, he worked as a teacher and school administrator. He established and ran Omolere Nursery School and Akure High School, contributing to educational development in Ondo State.

Political Career and Awoist Ideology
Fasoranti was a committed follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the progressive political tradition associated with him.

He was involved in the Action Group during the First Republic and later became associated 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.

Leadership of Afenifere
Fasoranti became one of the leading figures in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation founded on the progressive ideals associated with Awolowo.

Following the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya, Fasoranti emerged as the leader of the organisation and became a prominent voice on issues affecting the Yoruba people and Nigeria.

His emergence placed him at the centre of the organisation’s efforts to promote Yoruba interests, democratic governance and political restructuring.

He led Afenifere through periods of internal disagreements and divisions over leadership and political direction.

In 2021, at the age of 95, he appointed Chief Ayo Adebanjo as acting leader and Oba Oladipo Olaitan as deputy leader while retaining his position as substantive National Leader.

Despite internal differences within the organisation, Fasoranti remained an influential elder statesman whose views attracted attention from political leaders across the country.

Under his leadership, Afenifere continued to advocate restructuring, federalism, good governance and greater equity in the Nigerian federation.

Role in the Struggle for Democracy
Fasoranti was among the prominent Nigerians who opposed military rule and advocated the restoration of democratic governance.

During the military dictatorship of the late General Sani Abacha, he remained associated with pro-democracy advocacy and was reported to have survived an assassination attempt linked to the regime.
His political activism contributed to his reputation as a defender of democratic principles and constitutional governance.
6. Personal Tragedy

Fasoranti suffered a major personal loss in July 2019 when his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, was killed in an attack along the Ondo-Ore Expressway.

Olakunrin was killed by gunmen along the Ondo-Ore Expressway, an incident that generated widespread condemnation and renewed national debate about insecurity.

The tragedy brought national attention to Fasoranti’s family and prompted expressions of sympathy from political leaders and other Nigerians.

Despite the loss, the elder statesman continued to occupy a prominent place in Yoruba political and cultural life.

Her death attracted widespread condemnation and renewed national debate about insecurity, particularly attacks on travellers along major highways.

Despite the tragedy, Fasoranti remained a respected elder statesman whose views continued to feature in national discussions.

Fasoranti married Frances Oladiwura Awosika in 1955. She died in 1991, and he did not remarry.

Recognition at 100
Fasoranti marked his 100th birthday on May 11, 2026, drawing tributes from political leaders and prominent Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu described him as an elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist and prominent Afenifere leader, praising his contributions to public service and the country.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also celebrated his centenary, describing him as a patriot whose life reflected integrity, courage and commitment to societal development.

Advocacy for Restructuring and Good Governance
Throughout his public life, Fasoranti consistently advocated restructuring and true federalism, arguing for a political system that would promote fairness, accountability and balanced development.
His interventions on national issues reflected his belief in democratic governance, justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.

A Legacy of Public Service
Fasoranti’s life spanned Nigeria’s colonial period, independence, military rule and the return to democratic government.

His contributions as an educationist, politician, pro-democracy activist and Afenifere leader made him an influential figure in Yoruba political history.
His death at 100 marks the end of a century-long life associated with public service, political activism and advocacy for good governance.

The late Afenifere leader is survived by his children and other family members.