Breaking: Afenifere Leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti Dies At 100

The national leader of the Pan Yoruba social-political organisation, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, is dead.

The revered elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain passed away at the age of 100, which he celebrated May 11, 2026.

Born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, Pa Fasoranti was one of the major twines holding together the Yoruba nation and a bridge linking the politics of the First Republic to the present democratic order in the South West and in the country.

His political trajectory was rooted in progressivism and Yoruba ideals, having imbibed the political philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo through the Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.

During the Second Republic, he served as Commissioner of Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983. He later rose to become the leader of Afenifere following the death of Chief Abraham Adesanya, his predecessor.

A foremost Yoruba leader, Pa Fasoranti was one of the NADECO leaders whom the regime of the late General Sani Abacha attempted to assassinate in 1996.

He is regarded as symbol of the never-dying spirit of resistance against forces of tyranny and oppression with his politics never about himself but the advancement of his people, philosophy upheld by his resilience in the face of visible danger and personal losses, including the killing of his daughter by herders on the Benin-Ore road some years ago.

A teacher by training, he attended Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College in Lagos, and the University College, Ibadan, where he bagged a higher degree in English/Geography.

He taught at his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, and later served as Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School and Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School. His dedication to education persisted after retirement, as evidenced by his establishment of Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School.

“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,” the Governor stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the late patriarch as a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

He said, “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.”

Until his death, Pa Fasoranti remained a towering figure in Yoruba politics and a strong advocate for the unity of the Yoruba people, the supremacy of Yoruba ideals and the betterment of the lot of his people.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren, as well as a legacy of service, integrity and leadership.

SOURCE: THEGUARDIAN