Fasoranti, Afenifere Leader, Goes Home

The ranks of the genuine pro-democracy movement in the country further depleted with the death of two of its foundation members in quick succession. The most recent is the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation (Afenifere), and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100. Before his death was that of Chief Ralph Obioha, a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). That organisation fast-tracked the military’s exit from the nation’s political life.

Fasoranti was an educationist, a disciple of Obafemi Awolowo, and an opponent of military dictatorship.

He was a fire-eating politician who, with other nationalists, played key roles in the emergence of the ongoing democratic dispensation. Fasoranti was also respected as an unapologetic advocate of Yoruba interests.

9 Things To Know About Afenifere Leader Reuben Fasoranti As He Dies At 100

Upon Abraham Adesanya’s death, Fasoranti emerged as the leader of Afenifere and led the organisation through periods of internal disagreements over leadership and political direction.

Tributes to Pa Fasoranti, have been widespread and heartfelt. President Bola Tinubu, in a personally signed tribute, expressed profound sadness and commiseration with the Fasoranti family and the entire Afenifere organisation. He described Fasoranti as a symbol of integrity and a principled statesman who helped sustain Nigeria’s democracy. The President acknowledged Fasoranti’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development, progressive politics, and national unity. He also paid tribute to Fasoranti as one of the last surviving pillars of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive political movement, whose sacrifices contributed to the country’s political development.

Tinubu also recalled that the elder statesman survived an assassination attempt linked to the regime of the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.

The President further noted that that experience strengthened Fasoranti’s opposition to military dictatorship and oppression.

In his own remarks, a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, recalled celebrating Fasoranti’s 100th birthday in May, when he described the elder statesman as a man who had lived for a century “and not a stain on his name.”

“As the nation mourns his passing, I return to those words. To live so long, with so much responsibility, and retain the respect of generations is a remarkable achievement,” he wrote.

Saraki further said that Nigerians were fortunate to have had Fasoranti for a century, adding that his death was painful despite his long life.

The former Senate President extended his condolences to the late elder statesman’s family, Afenifere and the Ondo State Government.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in his tribute, described the National Leader of Afenifere as a patriot and elder statesman whose legacy of service and integrity would continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.

He also said that the late Afenifere leader belonged to a generation of leaders whose lives were defined by service, strong convictions and commitment to the common good.

He added that Fasoranti’s legacy transcended ethnic and political boundaries, stressing that his life demonstrated the importance of principled leadership, constructive engagement and respect for democratic ideals.

The eldest son of the late Afenifere leader, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, in his own tribute, revealed that his father often told the family he had a covenant with God to die at the age of 100.

He claimed that his father had consistently reminded family members that he would depart the world upon attaining the age of 100 and had urged them not to grieve when that time came.

Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti was born on 11 May 1926, in Akure, Ondo State..

He pursued a career in education, studying at the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan. He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in education from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom and a master’s degree in education administration and school management from Macquarie University in Australia.

Before becoming a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, Fasoranti worked as a teacher and school administrator. His commitment to education remained an important part of his public life.

Between 1979 and 1983, he served as Commissioner for Finance in the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State.

As the national leader of Afenifere, he continued to advocate for restructuring, federalism, good governance, and greater equity in the Nigerian federation

Fasoranti was a committed follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the progressive political tradition associated with him.

He was involved in the Action Group during the First Republic and later joined the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.

Between 1979 and 1983, he served as Commissioner for Finance in the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State.

After Abraham Adesanya’s death, Fasoranti emerged as the leader of the organisation and became a prominent voice on issues affecting the Yoruba people and Nigeria.

His emergence placed him at the centre of the organisation’s efforts to promote Yoruba interests, democratic governance and political restructuring.

He led Afenifere through periods of internal disagreements and divisions over leadership and political direction.

Despite internal differences within the organisation, Fasoranti remained an influential elder statesman whose views attracted attention from political leaders across the country. May his soul rest in peace.