Elder statesman and national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has died at the age of 100.
His death was announced on Tuesday by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who described his passing as a great loss to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
In a condolence message, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the late Fasoranti as a man of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose contributions to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria would remain part of his enduring legacy.
The Governor said the elder statesman’s counsel, fatherly guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be sorely missed.
On behalf of the state government and the people of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state over the loss.
Born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, Pa Fasoranti was a teacher, educationist, politician and pro-democracy activist who played prominent roles in Nigeria’s educational and political development.
He began his career as a teacher and served in several educational institutions, including Oyemekun Grammar School, Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School and Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, where he served as principal.
His commitment to education also led him to establish schools to expand access to learning in Ondo State.
Fasoranti who was a disciple of the late nationalist and statesman, Obafemi Awolowo, was associated with the progressive political tradition and actively participated in Nigeria’s democratic development.
He served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance from 1979 to 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin.
As a leading figure in Afenifere, he championed Yoruba interests and advocated good governance, restructuring and democratic principles.
His decades of service in education, politics and public affairs established him as a prominent voice in Yoruba socio-political affairs.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, has also expressed sadness over the death of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
In a condolence message, Governor Abiodun sympathised with the Afenifere leadership, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased and other Yoruba leaders, noting that Pa Fasoranti lived a remarkable life dedicated to public service, patriotism and national development.
The Governor described the late elder statesman as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, whose courage and commitment to democratic governance, particularly during the years of military rule, contributed significantly to the country’s political development.
Abiodun noted that Fasoranti consistently advocated justice, equity, good governance and restructuring, adding that his interventions in national affairs reflected his unwavering commitment to building a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
The Governor said the death of the centenarian had created a significant vacuum in the Yoruba socio-political landscape, describing him as one of the enduring voices of a generation that stood against authoritarianism and championed democratic freedoms. He added that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Abiodun urged the Yoruba nation, Afenifere, the government and people of Ondo State, as well as the deceased’s family, to take solace in his contributions to society. He also prayed that God would grant the departed elder statesman eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
