File: National Leader of Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti
The family of the late leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has announced the burial arrangements for the late centenarian.
The Afenifere leader passed on at his residence in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday at the age of 100.
The statement issued on behalf of the family by Dr Taiwo Fasoranti said the late Afenifere would be laid to rest on December 17, 2027.
It read, “The family of Late Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, CFR, is pleased to announce the burial arrangements of our beloved patriarch, leader of Afenifere and foremost nationalist, who passed away at the age of 100 years.”
According to the statement, the Christian wake-keeping service will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, at Fasoranti’s residence within the Omolere Nursery and Primary School compound, Akure.
“Funeral service and interment will be held on Thursday, 17th December, 2026, at St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, while Interment will follow immediately after the service at the Church Cemetery. Guests will be entertained at his residence immediately after the interment.
“Outing and thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, 20th December, 2026, at St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure.
“We request your prayers and presence as we honour the memory of a distinguished elder and patriot,” the statement concluded.
The Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, has described his late father as a great man whose legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love would be difficult to match.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of the state, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on the state’s X handle on Tuesday, Taiwo stated this while receiving Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who paid a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman at his residence.
He said the family was choosing to celebrate their father’s life and legacy rather than mourn his death, noting that the centenarian had lived a fulfilled life and prepared them for his eventual departure.
Also, the Southern Senators’ Forum on Thursday extended its condolences to the deceased’s family, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, the Ondo State Government and people, the Yoruba nation and Nigerians mourning his death.
Likewise, the South-West House of Representatives Caucus described the late leader of Afenifere as a selfless leader who wanted the best for the Yoruba and Nigeria at large.
In a statement by the leader of the caucus, James Faleke, the lawmakers representing Southwest federal constituencies said the exit of the political titan had created a vacuum.
Faleke said the late centenarian would be remembered for standing for unity, justice and fair play during his tenure as the Afenifere leader.