Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.
His death was announced on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who described the late elder statesman as a respected figure whose life was defined by integrity, wisdom and service to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
In a statement personally signed by the governor, Aiyedatiwa said Fasoranti’s passing was a significant loss to the state and the country.
“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.
The governor praised Fasoranti’s commitment to public service, describing him as a patriarch whose contributions to political development and governance would be remembered for generations.
“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,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and residents of Ondo State on behalf of the state government.
Fasoranti was among the prominent figures associated with the progressive political tradition established by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His political journey spanned several periods in Nigeria’s history, from the struggle for independence and the First Republic to the restoration of civilian rule and the country’s Fourth Republic.
An educationist before and during his political career, Fasoranti established educational institutions, including Akure High School. 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.
His involvement in public affairs extended beyond government service. He was active in pro-democracy efforts during periods of military rule and participated in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned for the restoration of democratic governance following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
As Afenifere leader, Fasoranti remained associated with calls for true federalism, social justice, accountable government and the protection of Yoruba political interests within Nigeria.
His death has drawn tributes from political leaders and members of the organisation. President Bola Tinubu also mourned the centenarian, describing him as a prominent figure in the progressive political tradition and recalling his contributions to democracy and national development.
Afenifere, in its own tribute, described Fasoranti as a leader whose life reflected integrity and commitment to the common good. The organisation said details of his burial arrangements would be announced later.
Fasoranti’s death marks the end of a century-long life that witnessed Nigeria’s transition from colonial rule to independence, civil war, successive military administrations and the return to democratic government.
He is survived by his family, while his contributions to education, politics and the Afenifere movement remain central to his legacy.
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