Speaker Tajudeen, Ooni mourn Pa Fasoranti

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have mourned the death of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, describing his passing as the end of an era and a profound loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.

Fasoranti, who died on October 20, 2026, at the age of 100, was a prominent Yoruba elder statesman whose contributions to Nigeria’s political development, democratic governance and the preservation of Yoruba identity spanned several decades.

In a condolence message issued on Wednesday, Speaker Tajudeen said the late Afenifere leader would be remembered for his loyalty to and commitment to the progressive ideals of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He noted that Fasoranti led Afenifere through a challenging period in its history but remained steadfast in his convictions until his demise.

The Speaker described the deceased as one of the few elder statesmen who witnessed Nigeria’s journey from the colonial and pre-independence era through successive military coups and regimes to the return of democracy under the Fourth Republic.

Tajudeen also commended Fasoranti for his fatherly blessings and guidance to President Bola Tinubu, noting that the late Afenifere leader had progressively supported the President even before he assumed office.

Similarly, the Ooni of Ife, who is the permanent chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), described Fasoranti’s death as a significant loss to the Yoruba race and the country.

The monarch’s tribute was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare.

Oba Ogunwusi said the centenarian’s life was characterised by dedicated service, wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of his people.

He added that Fasoranti belonged to a generation of respected leaders whose contributions to Nigeria’s political development, the preservation of Yoruba identity and the struggle for democratic governance would remain significant in the nation’s history.

The Ooni noted that the late elder statesman’s commitment to justice, good governance, equity and the welfare of the Yoruba people reflected the enduring values of responsible leadership and service to humanity.

He further observed that Fasoranti’s influence extended beyond his leadership of Afenifere, as his decades of public service and political engagement made him a respected voice in discussions about the future of Yorubaland and Nigeria.

According to the monarch, the deceased’s life offered valuable lessons in patriotism, perseverance and the responsibility of leaders to pursue the collective interests of their people.

He said Fasoranti’s legacy would continue to inspire younger generations to embrace integrity, peaceful coexistence, unity and commitment to community development.

Both leaders extended their condolences to the Fasoranti family and Afenifere over the loss.

While Tajudeen also commiserated with the government and people of Ondo State and the Yoruba race, the Ooni extended his sympathies to the people of Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government and the entire Yoruba nation.

They prayed for the peaceful repose of the late elder statesman’s soul and asked for strength and comfort for his family, associates and admirers.