Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.
Fasoranti reportedly passed away peacefully at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in his residence in Akure, Ondo State.
His eldest son, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, confirmed the development, noting that the family considers his death an opportunity to celebrate his long and impactful life.
Born on May 11, 1926, Fasoranti celebrated his 100th birthday in May 2026. Despite his advanced age, he remained involved in education-related matters until a few weeks before his death.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced his passing in a statement, describing the late elder statesman as a patriarch and a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service.
The governor noted that Fasoranti’s contributions to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria would remain significant for generations to come.
President Bola Tinubu also mourned the prominent Yoruba leader, describing him as “an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family.”
Tinubu recalled visiting Fasoranti in 2022 and joining others to celebrate his 100th birthday earlier this year.
Other prominent figures, including Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, also paid tribute to the late elder statesman, recognising his contributions to the political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Fasoranti was an educationist, politician and pro-democracy activist who devoted much of his life to public service. He studied at University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan, and maintained a longstanding commitment to education.
A prominent disciple of Awolowo, he played an important role in Yoruba socio-political affairs and was involved in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned for the restoration of democracy during Nigeria’s military rule. He also faced threats during the administration of the late General Sani Abacha.
Fasoranti later emerged as the leader of Afenifere, succeeding Chief Abraham Adesanya, and became a respected voice on Yoruba interests, good governance, justice and Nigeria’s political development.
He married Frances Oladiwura Awosika in 1955. She died in 1991, and he did not remarry. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.
His death marks the end of an era for many within Afenifere and the wider Yoruba socio-political community, where he was regarded as a prominent custodian of the Awolowo political legacy.
