Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.
Fasoranti reportedly died peacefully in his sleep at his residence along Ijapo Road in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, according to his son, Taiwo Fasoranti, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government.
The elder statesman, who celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11, was a renowned educationist, politician and prominent advocate of progressive politics in Nigeria.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirmed his death, describing him as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose contributions to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria would remain significant.
Fasoranti was a close associate of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin, a former governor of Ondo State during the Second Republic. He served as Commissioner for Finance in Ajasin’s administration and later became a prominent figure in Afenifere, succeeding the late Senator Abraham Adesanya as the organisation’s leader.
His death has triggered tributes from President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, governors, lawmakers and other prominent Nigerians, who described his passing as the end of an era in Yoruba politics.
Tinubu: Nigeria Has Lost a Great Patriot
President Bola Tinubu described Fasoranti as one of the last great figures in the progressive political tradition established by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
In a personal tribute, the President recalled his visit to Fasoranti in Akure in 2022, during which the elder statesman reportedly predicted his emergence as President.
“Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer,” Tinubu said.
The President expressed sadness that Fasoranti would not live to witness his anticipated second term in office, adding that he had hoped the elder statesman would see the benefits of his administration’s economic reforms.
Tinubu described the deceased as a patriot and a symbol of integrity, discipline and principled leadership, noting that he remained committed to true federalism, social justice and Nigeria’s unity throughout his life.
He also commended Fasoranti’s contributions to education, public administration and the country’s democratic struggle, saying his wisdom and moral authority would be greatly missed.
The President extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the people of Akure, the Ondo State Government and members of Afenifere.
Son Urges Nigerians to Sustain His Educational Legacy
Speaking on his father’s death, Taiwo Fasoranti said the family was grateful for the long and impactful life he lived.
He described his father as a disciplined and principled man whose calm disposition, wisdom and commitment to service shaped the lives of his family members and many other Nigerians.
According to him, one of the things the family would miss most was the opportunity to have regular conversations with the late elder statesman.
Taiwo also highlighted his father’s lifelong commitment to education and community development, urging Nigerians to honour his memory by supporting disadvantaged children and investing in their education.
He said the family would continue the scholarship programme established in the elder statesman’s honour to support students at secondary and university levels.
The SSG noted that Fasoranti remained passionate about education until his final days and had continued visiting one of his schools just weeks before his death.
He encouraged those who admired his father to support at least one child through school and contribute to the development of their communities.
Falae Describes Fasoranti as an Exceptional Leader
Former Secretary to the Federal Military Government, Oba Olu Falae, described Fasoranti as an exceptional generational leader whose death had created a significant void in the political, religious and social life of the Yoruba people.
Falae, who said he had known the deceased intimately for more than 60 years, recalled his humility, peaceful disposition and willingness to mediate in disputes.
He said he had never witnessed Fasoranti quarrel with anyone or raise his voice during politically charged meetings.
Falae also recalled the late educationist’s generosity towards indigent students, explaining that he admitted children from poor backgrounds into school and allowed them to complete their education before repaying their fees.
On the question of succession within Afenifere, Falae expressed confidence that the organisation would produce a new leader through its established tradition without internal conflict.
He said the group had historically maintained an orderly leadership transition and expressed hope that the same tradition would guide the emergence of Fasoranti’s successor.
Atiku, Awolowo-Dosunmu, Governors Pay Tributes
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Fasoranti as a man whose stature was built on a lifetime of service, principle and sacrifice.
Atiku said the late Afenifere leader’s legacy extended beyond the political offices he held, offering condolences to his family, the organisation and the people of Ondo State.
Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, head of the Awolowo family, described Fasoranti’s death as the passing of one of the last great figures in the Awolowo political tradition.
She said the elder statesman remained committed to justice, equity, progressive governance and the advancement of the common good throughout his life.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is also the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, described Fasoranti as a democratic icon whose courage and commitment to constitutional governance helped shape Nigeria’s political development.
Abiodun said the deceased’s advocacy for restructuring, justice and good governance had earned him a place among the country’s respected elder statesmen.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also described Fasoranti as a patriot of uncommon integrity who consistently placed national interest above personal and sectional considerations.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the death of the Afenifere leader marked the end of an era, citing his contributions to education, public service and community development.
Afenifere Mourns Its Leader
Afenifere expressed sadness over the death of its leader, describing him as an exemplary statesman whose life was defined by integrity, principled leadership and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The organisation’s Secretary-General, Chief Ademola Folarin, said Fasoranti’s contributions would remain a source of inspiration to future generations.
The group added that arrangements for his burial would be announced in due course.
Fasoranti’s death marks the loss of a prominent figure in the progressive political movement associated with Awolowo, whose ideals of social justice, public accountability and equitable development shaped generations of political thought in southwestern Nigeria.
Comments