The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has constituted a committee to coordinate the burial of its late leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, while declaring discussions about his successor premature until after his interment.
Decision to set up the committee was reached on Tuesday during a meeting of Afenifere’s National Executive Committee at Fasoranti’s residence in Akure, Ondo State.
The meeting also delivered a condolence message to the family and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to preserving the values and principles associated with the late elder statesman.
Fasoranti died at his Akure residence on October 20 at the age of 100.
His family has fixed Thursday, December 17, 2026, for his funeral service and interment at St David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure.
A Christian wake-keeping is scheduled for December 16, while an outing and thanksgiving service will hold on December 20.
Chairman of Afenifere’s National Executive Committee, Oba Olu Falae, said the burial committee would work with committees constituted by the deceased’s family and the government to organise a befitting farewell for the late Afenifere leader.
Falae said the committee would draw members from Afenifere and other groups that previously met at Ogbo, Ogun State, adding that its membership would be expanded.
Members include Oba Samuel Falae, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Chief Supo Shonibare, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Tola Mobulurin, Otunba Dr Samuel Ibikunle, Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Aluko, Dr Segun Mimiko and Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Others are Dr Gbola Adetunji, Hon. Wale Oshun, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, Chief Pekun Awobona, Engr. Bayo Adenekan, Chief Lekan Alabi, Abagun Kole Omololu, Dr Akin Onigbinde, SAN, Prof Akin Onigbinde, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Dr David Atte, Chief Ayo Abereoran, Hon. Lanre Omisore, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Otunba Deji Wellington, Mrs Nike Olujembola, Mrs Oluwatoyin Falade, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Arc. Goke Omigbodun and Chief Ademola Folarin.
Falae also stressed the need for unity among the various groups involved in the burial arrangements, saying any debate over who would succeed Fasoranti was inappropriate at this stage.
According to him, discussing succession before the burial would run contrary to Yoruba cultural practice.
The priority, he said, was to give Fasoranti a befitting burial, after which a credible leader would emerge to lead Afenifere.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Olori Rachael Falae described Fasoranti as a quiet, disciplined and trustworthy leader whose integrity shaped his public and political life.
She recalled that Fasoranti combined his responsibilities as a local government chairman and school principal with remarkable dedication, noting that his tenure witnessed the construction of important roads in Akure, including the road linking the A Division Police Station with the State Hospital and the road from the NEPA roundabout to the St Thomas’s area.
“Papa was a very quiet person and highly disciplined, and this discipline he carried even into his political life. He was a leader who could be trusted,” she said.
Olori Falae said Fasoranti remained firm in his convictions despite challenges, adding that his home became a reference point for resolving difficult matters in Akure.
She quoted the Deji of Akure as asking how the community would find another leader like Fasoranti following his death, saying the late elder statesman was widely respected in the community.
She appealed to Afenifere members to preserve his legacy by working together and ensuring that the organisation remained a force for unity and positive development among the Yoruba people.
“We must think of the future because the next generation is looking up to us. If there is any difference, they should try to settle it so that papa’s spirit, wherever it is, will be happy,” she said.
On the funeral, Olori Falae said members of the family, Afenifere, the Akure community and the church would be represented.
She added that the Anglican Church and state governors would also be involved in the arrangements.
According to her, tributes would begin from the Monday preceding the funeral, with specific days allocated for different groups to honour the late elder statesman.
