Elder statesman and national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has died at the age of 100.
His death was announced on Tuesday by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement personally signed by him in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said Fasoranti departed at a glorious age of 100, describing him as a revered elder statesman whose life was marked by wisdom, integrity and selfless service to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
In his statement, the governor said, “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.”
He further said, “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.”
He added, “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.”
The governor, on behalf of the government and people of Ondo State, commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state, praying that his gentle soul rests in perfect peace.
Pa Fasoranti was born on May 11, 1926 in Uso, Ondo State. He was a distinguished teacher, educationist and school administrator who served in several institutions including Oyemekun Grammar School, Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School and Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti where he served as principal.
He was also a disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a prominent figure in the progressive political tradition. He served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance from 1979 to 1983 under the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin.
As leader of Afenifere, he championed Yoruba interests and advocated good governance, restructuring, true federalism and democratic principles for over two decades.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country. Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, mourned the death, describing it as the end of an era.
Sanwo-Olu said, “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Lagos State, as well as my brother Governors in the South-West, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, Afenifere members and the entire people of Yorubaland over the departure of our respected leader and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti”.
He described him as a committed statesman and a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service who devoted himself to the advancement of the Yoruba people and Nigeria. He also said, “Baba Fasoranti was a respected and passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remain indelible”.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also described Fasoranti as a patriot par excellence and a man of uncommon integrity who consistently placed national interest above personal considerations. e268
The Awolowo family, through Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, described him as one of the last titans of the Awolowo political tradition and a faithful custodian of a precious political heritage.
Burial details and official memorial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and the state government in due course.
