Makinde mourns, as nationalist, Afenifere leader, Fasoranti dies at 100
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
A nationalist and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has died.
Oyo State governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engineer Seyi Makinde, the demise of Fasoranti was a great loss to Yorubaland and the entire country.
According to a personally-signed statement on Tuesday, Ondo State governor, Honourable Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said Fasoranti died at the age of 100.
He described the late elder statesman as a respected figure whose life was marked by wisdom, integrity and selfless service.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state over this great loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Governor of Makinde expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Afenifere leader, describing him as a towering conscience of the Yoruba nation whose century-long life radiated wisdom, courage, and unwavering moral clarity.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Oyo governor said Pa Fasoranti’s death was a monumental loss to the Yoruba people.
Governor Makinde stated: “I received with deep sorrow the news of Pa Reuben Fasoranti’s passing. For many decades, Pa Fasoranti stood at the intersection of conscience and public duty, shaping the moral architecture of our politics and offering guidance that transcended generations. His transition is a historic loss for our people.
“His passing is not just the departure of an elder statesman; it is the dimming of a light that guided our people through decades of political turbulence, cultural evolution, and national transformation. Pa Fasoranti spent many of his 100 years shaping minds, strengthening institutions, and reminding us of the values that define us as Yoruba.
“We will greatly miss him and his insights.”
While extending his heartfelt condolences to the Fasoranti family, the Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State, and the entire Yoruba race, Governor Makinde noted that “the pain of this loss reverberates across Yorubaland, for Pa Fasoranti belonged to all of us. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba cause enriched every corner of our region.”
He added: “As we mourn, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose. Pa Fasoranti’s century on earth was not spent in pursuit of personal gain, but in service to community, culture, and country. His leadership was marked by clarity of thought, courage of conviction, and an unshakeable belief in the power of unity. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire leaders, scholars, and citizens for generations to come.
“May his gentle soul find peaceful rest, and may the ideals he embodied; integrity, discipline, and selfless service, continue to guide us as we navigate the future he worked so hard to shape.”
Born on May 11, 1926, Fasoranti was an educationist, politician and prominent disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He played a role in the progressive political tradition of the old Western Region and served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance from 1979 to 1983 under Governor Adekunle Ajasin.
Beyond public office, Fasoranti became a leading voice in the pro-democracy struggle against military rule and a prominent advocate of Yoruba unity and development.
His political journey spanned Nigeria’s colonial era, independence, military rule and the return to democratic government.
His centenary, celebrated in May 2026, attracted tributes from President Bola Tinubu, governors, traditional rulers and political leaders across party lines.
The celebrations highlighted his contributions to education, democratic advocacy, public service and the preservation of Yoruba political heritage.
