The Senate has called on the Federal Government to immortalise late Afenifere National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, by naming an educational institution after him.
Fasoranti, who died in Akure, Ondo State, on October 20, 2026, at the age of 100, was honoured by the upper chamber during Wednesday’s plenary.
The Senate said the proposed renaming would recognise his contributions to education, democracy and national development.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), who described Fasoranti as a committed educationist and elder statesman whose work shaped his approach to public service and governance.
Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, said Fasoranti’s contribution to education was particularly significant, noting that his commitment to human welfare and humanitarian service was reflected in his public life.
He also recalled Fasoranti’s association with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his participation in the progressive political tradition of the Action Group during the First Republic and the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
According to the senator, Fasoranti was also among Nigerians who resisted military rule and advocated the return of democratic governance.
“Pa Fasoranti remained steadfast in the struggle for democracy,” Adegbonmire said, adding that the late elder statesman promoted cooperation among socio-political groups, including Arewa and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in pursuit of a united and prosperous Nigeria.
Fasoranti had a long career in education and politics. Contemporary reports on his death noted that he established schools, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School, while he also served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State during the Second Republic.
Senator Jide Ipinsagba (APC, Ondo North), who supported the motion, described Fasoranti as an advocate of educational development who also played a role in promoting peace in Yorubaland and across Nigeria.
Ipinsagba recalled the late elder statesman’s intervention in disputes involving youths, elders and other groups, describing his death as a major loss to Ondo State.
The Senate subsequently adopted the prayers of the motion and agreed to send a delegation to Ondo State to convey its condolences to Fasoranti’s family and the people of the state.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, also directed senators to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the late Afenifere leader.
Fasoranti, who celebrated his centenary birthday in May, was a prominent figure in Yoruba political affairs and Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
His death prompted tributes from President Bola Tinubu, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other political leaders.
