‘Great loss to Yoruba nation’: Afenifere, Sanwo-Olu mourn Pa Fasoranti

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, and the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have mourned the death of the organisation’s leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, describing his passing as a great loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.

Fasoranti, a centenarian and respected elder statesman, died on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the age of over 100.

Afenifere announced his death in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Chief Ademola Folarin, on Tuesday.

The organisation described the late leader, who held the title of Asiwaju Yoruba and was a recipient of the national honours OFR and CFR, as an exemplary statesman whose life was defined by integrity and commitment to the common good.

It said he left behind a legacy of integrity and devotion to the welfare of the people.

Afenifere said it joined millions of Nigerians in mourning his death, while extending its condolences to his family, members of the organisation worldwide, the Ondo State Government and people, the Yoruba nation at home and in the diaspora, and the country at large.

The organisation described his death as the departure of a rare and exemplary leader, adding that arrangements for his burial would be announced in due course.

It also prayed for the repose of his soul.

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Similarly, Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, described Fasoranti’s death as the end of an era and a major loss to the Yoruba people and Nigeria.

In a condolence message he personally signed, the governor described the late elder statesman, educationist and progressive as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose contributions to the Yoruba people and the country would remain indelible.

He also commiserated with his Ondo State counterpart, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the government and people of Ondo State, particularly the people of Akure Kingdom; the Fasoranti family; and members of Afenifere.

Sanwo-Olu said: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Lagos State, as well as my brother governors in the South-West, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, Afenifere members and the entire people of Yorubaland over the departure of our respected leader and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

“Baba Fasoranti was a respected and passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remain indelible. He impacted many lives positively through courageous and uncompromising leadership. His commitment to public service and community development was commendable.

“Pa Fasoranti, during his lifetime, made significant contributions to Yorubaland and Nigeria. As leader of Afenifere, he provided purposeful leadership and steered the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation in the right direction.

“We cherish Pa Fasoranti’s commitment to the pursuit of truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance, which he championed for many decades.

“I pray for the repose of the soul of Pa Reuben Fasoranti. May God grant his family, loved ones and the Yoruba people the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of the centenarian.”