… Tinubu, Obasanjo, Afenifere, governors mourn elder statesman
Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.
Fasoranti died on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in Akure, Ondo State, with the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announcing his passing in a statement.
The late elder statesman, an educationist, politician and pro-democracy activist, was widely recognised for his commitment to the political philosophy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his advocacy for good governance and his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo are among prominent Nigerians who have mourned the passing of the elder statesman.
Tinubu described Fasoranti as a father, patriarch and one of the last great figures of Awolowo’s progressive political tradition.
In a condolence statement issued on Tuesday, the President said the centenarian’s life exemplified integrity, discipline, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and Nigeria’s unity and progress.
Tinubu recalled visiting Fasoranti in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his presidential ambition, saying the elder statesman had predicted that he would become President during his lifetime.
The President also highlighted Fasoranti’s years as an educationist and principal, his service as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State and his leadership of Afenifere.
He noted that the deceased remained committed to true federalism and social justice throughout his public life.
Aiyedatiwa described Fasoranti as a patriarch and a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose life was devoted to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
The governor said the late Afenifere leader’s counsel, fatherly guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be sorely missed.
He also extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state over the loss.
According to a report the deceased’s son, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, who serves as Secretary to the Ondo State Government, said his father died peacefully in his sleep at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
He added that the Reuben Fasoranti Foundation, established 10 years ago, would continue its activities.
Former President Obasanjo described Fasoranti as one of the surviving figures of a generation whose public service was characterised by sacrifice, integrity and dedication to national development.
Obasanjo recalled that Fasoranti assumed leadership of Afenifere at a period of internal divisions and national uncertainty, serving as a unifying figure within the organisation.
He also paid tribute to the late leader’s opposition to military dictatorship and his advocacy for federalism, justice and equity.
Born on May 11, 1926, in Akure, Ondo State, Fasoranti lived through Nigeria’s colonial period, independence in 1960, the Civil War, successive military administrations and the return to democratic rule in 1999.
His life and political activities spanned several defining periods in the country’s history, making him an important link between the politics of the First Republic and contemporary Nigeria.
An educationist by training and profession, he established educational institutions, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure.
He subsequently ventured into public service, becoming Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin.
Fasoranti’s political outlook was significantly influenced by Awolowo, whose progressive philosophy emphasised social welfare, education and public service.
He followed the Awolowo political tradition through the Action Group and the Unity Party of Nigeria, remaining committed to its ideological foundations throughout his political career.
Beyond his involvement in regional politics, Fasoranti played a role in the struggle to restore democratic governance during periods of military rule.
He was actively involved in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which emerged as a prominent force in the campaign for the restoration of the June 12, 1993 presidential election mandate widely associated with the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
The annulment of the election plunged Nigeria into a prolonged political crisis, triggering widespread opposition to military rule and demands for the restoration of democratic government.
Fasoranti remained associated with the pro-democracy movement during this period, earning recognition among those who advocated constitutional rule and political reforms.
Afenifere, in its reaction to his death, described him as a humanist, philanthropist, patriot and courageous leader whose life offered valuable lessons to individuals and organisations.
The group said Fasoranti’s political journey spanned the independence struggle and the post-independence era, adding that he consistently maintained that public office should serve the interests of the people.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, also paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as an exceptional figure whose life was marked by humility and a willingness to mediate in disputes.
Falae, who said he had known Fasoranti intimately for more than 60 years, recalled that the late elder statesman was always willing to listen to opposing parties and help resolve disagreements.
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State also expressed sadness over his death.
Abiodun, who chairs the Southern Governors’ Forum, described the passing as a significant loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria, noting Fasoranti’s contributions to democratic governance and his advocacy for justice, equity and restructuring.
Oyebanji similarly described the late Afenifere leader as a patriot whose life was defined by selfless service, integrity and commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba people and Nigeria.
The Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, also mourned Fasoranti, describing him as one of the last prominent custodians of the political heritage of Awolowo.
She said his passing represented a major loss to those who cherish the ideals of justice, equity, progressive governance and the advancement of the common good.