BREAKING: Afenifere Leader Reuben Fasoranti Dies at 100

The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has died at the age of 100.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced his death in a statement on Tuesday evening, describing the late elder statesman as a prominent figure whose life was devoted to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

“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,” the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa described Fasoranti as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service, adding that his contributions to public affairs would be remembered.

He said the late Afenifere leader’s counsel and principled positions on justice and good governance would be greatly missed.

The governor also extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and residents of Ondo State.

Fasoranti was one of the prominent figures in Yoruba political affairs and a leading member of the political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He was involved in the Action Group during Nigeria’s First Republic and later belonged to the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.

Between 1979 and 1983, he served as Commissioner for Finance in the administration of former Ondo State Governor Adekunle Ajasin.

According to a historical account published by Nigeria’s State House in May 2026, Fasoranti also played a role in the struggle against military dictatorship and advocated the restoration of democratic government.

Beyond politics, he had a career in education, working as a teacher and establishing schools in Akure, Ondo State. His educational contributions formed part of the legacy highlighted in President Bola Tinubu’s tribute to mark his 100th birthday.

Fasoranti’s death marks the loss of a prominent elder statesman whose political activities and leadership in Afenifere placed him among the influential voices in Yoruba socio-political affairs.

Further details about his death and funeral arrangements were not provided in the governor’s statement reproduced in the reports examined.