JUST IN: Afenifere Leader, Pa Fasoranti Dies at 100

By Al-Amin Ciroma 

Elder statesman and prominent leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has died at the age of 100.

The National Lens reports that Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced the death of the respected Yoruba leader in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

The governor described Fasoranti as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service, noting that his life was devoted to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

He said the late elder statesman's guidance, principled positions on justice and commitment to good governance would be greatly missed.

Born on May 11, 1926, in Akure, Ondo State, Fasoranti was an educationist, politician and pro-democracy advocate whose public life spanned several defining periods in Nigeria's history.

A committed follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he became a prominent figure in the progressive political movement and later emerged as a leading voice within Afenifere.

He also served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin.

Throughout his political career, Fasoranti was associated with advocacy for democracy, good governance, restructuring and the protection of Yoruba interests within the Nigerian federation.

His death marks the end of a century-long life of public service and political engagement.

Governor Aiyedatiwa extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the people of Ondo State, praying for the peaceful repose of the elder statesman's soul.