Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.
Fasoranti’s death was confirmed in Akure on Tuesday by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who described the development as a major loss to the state, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Aiyedatiwa issued a condolence statement on behalf of the Ondo State Government, describing Fasoranti as a respected elder statesman and a prominent voice in Yoruba affairs.
According to the governor, Fasoranti was a patriarch and a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose life was dedicated to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He said the late Afenifere leader’s counsel, fatherly guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be greatly missed.
“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,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor added that Fasoranti left behind an enduring legacy of honour and service that would continue to inspire generations.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the elder statesman’s soul and expressed sympathy with his family, the people of Akure and the wider Ondo State community.
Fasoranti, who was born on May 11, 1926, celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year, drawing tributes from President Bola Tinubu, governors, traditional rulers and political leaders across Nigeria.
In his centenary tribute, the president described him as an elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist, and foremost Afenifere leader.
His centenary celebration in August also brought together prominent Yoruba leaders and political figures, with speakers highlighting his contributions to public service, democratic ideals and the advancement of Yoruba interests.
Fasoranti’s death marks the end of a century-long life that spanned some of the most significant periods in Nigeria’s political history and leaves Afenifere and the Yoruba socio-political space without one of its most prominent elder figures.
