By Oluseye Ojo
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, and the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) have mourned the death of their revered elder, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.
They described him as a patriot, humanist, philanthropist and defender of democracy, whose legacy of service would endure.
Fasoranti, who died on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at about 4pm, was 100 years old. He celebrated his centenary on May 11.
In its condolence message dated October 21, the YCE described Fasoranti’s death as a great loss to the Yoruba race and Nigeria.
The council’s Secretary-General, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, who signed the statement on behalf of its President, Chief Jibade Oyekan, and members, said the late elder would be remembered for his “humane nature, amiable disposition and an unwavering commitment to the Yoruba cause”.
The council added that although his wisdom would be greatly missed, his life of service, exemplary leadership and dedication to human advancement would remain an enduring source of inspiration.
It prayed that God would grant his family, associates and others affected by the loss the fortitude to bear it, wishing him eternal rest.
Afenifere, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi, described the late leader, also known as Asiwaju Yoruba, as “a humanist, a philanthropist, an exemplary leader, a genuine patriot and a Yoruba leader and an icon”, who demonstrated courage even in the most heart-rending circumstances.
The organisation said Fasoranti was its first leader to attain the age of 100. He assumed the position in November 2008, succeeding Chief Abraham Adesanya, who died in August of the same year.
Fasoranti, a prominent member of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group, participated in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and remained active in the country’s political development.
According to the organisation, the deceased was also a committed advocate of democracy, participating in efforts to restore civil rule during military interventions, particularly through the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.
Afenifere said Fasoranti, following the examples of Awolowo, Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Adesanya, believed public office should serve the best interests of the people.
Beyond politics, he distinguished himself as an educationist, establishing Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure, Ondo State.
He also served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance between 1979 and 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin.
Afenifere expressed condolences to his family, the Ondo State Government and people, the Yoruba worldwide, its members at home and in the Diaspora, and Nigerians, saying it would “sorely miss this exemplary, unassuming, progressive icon”.
It added that details of his burial arrangements would be announced later.
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