Life and times of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti

PA Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, elder statesman, educationist, politician and leader of Afenifere, was born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, in present-day Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

He lived for 100 years, witnessing Nigeria’s transition from colonial rule to independence, the First Republic, military dictatorship and the restoration of democratic government. His life was marked by a commitment to education, public service, political activism and the advancement of the Yoruba people.

Early Life and Education

Fasoranti began his elementary education in Uso before proceeding to Ondo Boys’ High School, Ondo. He later attended Higher College, Yaba, Lagos, and the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan, where he studied English and Geography.

He subsequently pursued further studies in education, including studies in the United Kingdom and Australia, equipping himself for a career in teaching and school administration.

His educational background laid the foundation for a professional life devoted to teaching, educational development and public service.

Teaching Career

Fasoranti began his professional career as a teacher at Ondo Boys’ High School, his alma mater. He later served in various educational institutions, including Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, and Anglican Grammar School, Iju-Itaogbolu, where he held leadership positions.

His years in education were characterised by a commitment to learning, discipline and the development of young people.

After retiring from formal teaching and public service, he continued to contribute to the sector by establishing Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School.

He also established St Frances’ Academy at Igoba, Akure, in memory of his wife, Frances Oladiwura Fasoranti, who died in 1991.

Entry into Politics

Fasoranti’s political career was shaped by his association with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose political philosophy emphasised education, social welfare, accountability and good governance.

He became associated with the defunct Action Group during the First Republic and later joined the Unity Party of Nigeria, which Awolowo led during the Second Republic.

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His political beliefs were influenced by the Awolowo tradition, which placed emphasis on the use of government policies to improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

A Life of Service and Recognition

Fasoranti was widely respected for his contributions to education, politics and community development. He was also recognised as a leader in his Akure community and a notable figure in his church.

Former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, described him during his 97th birthday celebration as a Yoruba leader whose position as head of Afenifere placed him at the forefront of the affairs of one of Africa’s prominent ethnic nationalities.

The late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu also described him as a reference point for quality leadership.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a birthday tribute, praised Fasoranti as a great leader and a symbol of integrity, statesmanship and patriotism.

Throughout his life, Fasoranti remained associated with the values of discipline, integrity, sacrifice and devotion to public service.

Centenary Celebration

On May 11, 2026, Fasoranti attained the age of 100, marking a century of life that spanned some of the most significant periods in Nigeria’s political history.

His centenary attracted tributes from political leaders, associates and admirers who acknowledged his contributions to education, public administration, democratic activism and Yoruba leadership.

President Bola Tinubu, in a tribute marking the occasion, acknowledged his service as Commissioner for Finance in the Ajasin administration and his longstanding association with the political tradition of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

His 100th birthday provided an opportunity to reflect on a life that connected the colonial era with contemporary Nigeria and encompassed decades of political and social transformation.

Death and Legacy

The death of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti marks the end of a century-long life devoted to education, public service and political engagement.

As an educationist, he taught and mentored generations of students and established schools to expand educational opportunities.

As a public administrator, he served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983.

As a political activist and Yoruba leader, he opposed military dictatorship and led Afenifere, sustaining a political tradition rooted in the ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

His life remains an important part of the history of Ondo State, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.

He will be remembered as an educationist who invested in the future of young people, a politician who remained committed to his convictions and an elder statesman whose influence extended across generations.