The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, has died. He was 100.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced Fasoranti’s death in a statement on Tuesday evening.
“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 governor said.
“Pa Fasoranti was a patriarch, a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of our dear State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.
“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.”
The governor, on behalf of the Government and people of Ondo State, commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the “people of Akure Kingdom and the entire State over this great loss”.
Afenifere Leader Reuben Fasoranti Dies at 100
Reuben Fasoranti, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced the death of the elder statesman in a statement on Tuesday evening.
“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 governor said.
Aiyedatiwa described Fasoranti as a patriarch and a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service, noting that his life was marked by a commitment to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“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,” the governor added.
On behalf of the Ondo State Government and its people, Aiyedatiwa extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state.
Fasoranti’s Early Life and Education
Fasoranti celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11, 2026. He was born in Uso, Ondo State, and built a career as an educationist, administrator, politician and pro-democracy activist.
He obtained a degree in English and Geography from the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan.
He later earned 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 Sydney, Australia.
Schools and Teaching Career
Fasoranti contributed to education through teaching and the establishment of schools in Ondo State.
He taught at his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, and other institutions in the Ondo-Akure axis.
He also established Omolere Nursery and Primary School in Akure, Akure High School and St Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure.
Political Career and Afenifere Leadership
Fasoranti was a member of the defunct Action Group during Nigeria’s First Republic, marking the beginning of his involvement in partisan politics.
Between 1979 and 1983, he served as Commissioner for Finance in the government of the late Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State.
He later became a prominent figure in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, and was known for his involvement in pro-democracy activities.
His death marks the end of a century-long life that spanned major developments in Nigeria’s political history, education sector and democratic struggle.
