BREAKING: Former Afenifere Leader Reuben Fasoranti Dies At 100
Elder Statesman and National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, died today at the age of 100.
Pleading old age, Fasoranti, who took over from the Late Senator Abraham Adesanya, handed over the leadership of Afenifere to Chief Ayodele Adebanjo on16th March 2021.
Fasoranti, who was 95 years old, announced the transition during the group’s monthly meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, saying it was appropriate for him to yield ground for a more youthful and energetic person after 13 years in the saddle.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced his death on Tuesday in a statement personally signed by him in Akure, the state capital.
The Governor described Fasoranti as a revered Elder Statesman whose life was defined by wisdom, integrity and selfless service to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“With a heavy heart but with total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing of our revered elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who departed this world at the glorious age of 100,” the statement read.
Aiyedatiwa described the deceased as a patriarch and a beacon of wisdom whose century-long life was marked by an uncommon commitment to the development of the state, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He said Fasoranti’s counsel, fatherly guidance and principled stance on justice and good governance would be sorely missed.
The Governor added that the elder statesman lived a fulfilled life and left behind an enduring legacy of honour for future generations.
Aiyedatiwa, on behalf of the Ondo State Government and its people, extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and residents of the state.
THE ESSENTIAL R F
Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti (May 11, 1926 – October 2026) was a prominent Nigerian elder statesman, educationist, and the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
• Birth: Born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, Nigeria.
• Education: Attended primary school in Uso, followed by Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College in Lagos, and University College Ibadan (where he studied English and Geography). He also pursued further studies including a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (University of Hull, UK) and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and School Management (Macquarie University, Australia).
CAREER AS AN EDUCATIONIST
• Teaching & Administration: Began his career teaching at his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, and later served as the principal of Oyemekun Grammar School, Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School, Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo and Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti from he eventually retired into full time politics
• School Founder: Established Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School, as well as St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure.
POLITICS AND PUBLIC SERVICE
• Political Affiliation: A committed Awoist and progressive disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he was active in the Action Group (AG) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
• Commissioner for Finance: Served as the Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State during the Second Republic (1979–1983) under Governor Adekunle Ajasin.
• NADECO & Activism: During the military regime of General Sani Abacha, he was a target of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), surviving an assassination attempt in 1996.
• Afenifere Leadership: Rose to become the national leader of Afenifere, advocating for Yoruba unity, federalism, restructuring, and democratic governance in Nigeria.
LATER YEARS AND LEGACY
• Celebrated his 100th birthday in May 2026, receiving tributes from national leaders including President Bola Tinubu and political figures across Nigeria.
• Widowed in 1991, he chose not to remarry.
