The late Pa Reuben Fasoranti, CFR, has been described by the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA ’23) as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history.
Pa Fasoranti, a century of service
Chairman of the group, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, stated this in a condolence message to the family of the late elder statesman and National Leader of Afenifere
The group disclosed that it received the news of the passing of Pa Fasoranti with deep sadness, but total submission to the will of God.
Adeyeye described the deceased as “our revered leader, father and elder statesman who departed this world at the glorious age of 100.”
He added: “Baba Fasoranti was a towering figure in Nigeria’s history, a teacher, educationist, former Commissioner for Finance of the old Ondo State.
“He was a faithful disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and a fearless pro-democracy activist who stood on the side of truth and justice through the most trying periods of our national life.
“His life was a century of sacrifice, integrity and selfless service. From the Action Group (AG) to the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
“As the moral compass of Afenifere, he consistently championed true federalism, good governance, social justice, and the unity and progress of Nigeria.
“He fought for the democracy we enjoy today, at the risk of his own life, and remained a custodian of the progressive ideals that shaped the South-West.”
SWAGA ’23 further stated that it will forever remain grateful to the late Pa Fasoranti for his fatherly support and blessing in the build-up to the 2023 general election.
“At a critical time, when the journey for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency needed the moral authority and guidance of the Yoruba race, Pa Fasoranti opened his doors to us, received us with love in Akure, and gave his full endorsement and prayers.
“That gesture gave SWAGA ’23 strength, legitimacy and confidence, and remains one of the defining moments in our movement.
“His passing is not just a loss to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State and Afenifere, but to the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.
“He was the last of the great titans of the Awoist tradition a bridge between the First Republic and the Fourth Republic,” SWAGA ’23 added.
Prince Adeyeye, on behalf of the entire leadership and members of SWAGA ’23 across the South-West and Nigeria, extended heartfelt condolences to his family, to Afenifere, and to the Government and people of Ondo State.
This was as he prayed God should grants his gentle soul eternal rest and comforts all who mourn him.
Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the respected leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, died on Tuesday, at the age of 100.
His death was announced by the Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who described him as a patriot whose life was marked by wisdom, integrity and selfless service.
The life of the late elder statesman revolved education, politics and development of Nigeria, especially the South-West Region.
Fasoranti, who hailed from Akure in Ondo State, celebrated his 100th birthday last May, having been born on 11 May, 1926
His lifetime spanned Nigeria’s colonial era, independence, the Civil War, successive military regimes and the return to democratic rule.
His political and educational contributions made him one of the most prominent figures in the state and a respected voice in Yoruba affairs.
He attended Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College in Lagos and the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan, where he studied English and Geography.
He also pursued further studies in education in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Beyond his work in the classroom, Fasoranti established educational institutions, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure. His contributions to education remained a significant part of his legacy.
Fasoranti was a committed follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his progressive political philosophy. He belonged to the Action Group (AG) during the First Republic and later aligned with the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), which Awolowo founded.
Between 1979 and 1983, Fasoranti was the Commissioner for Finance under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State.
His appointment reflected the confidence placed in him by the progressive political leadership of the period.
Fasoranti rose to become the leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation associated with Awolowo’s political ideals.
He assumed the leadership following the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya and became a prominent voice on Yoruba interests and Nigeria’s political future.
Throughout his public life,
Fasoranti advocated restructuring and a more equitable federal arrangement for Nigeria.
He maintained that constitutional and political reforms were necessary to promote fairness, accountability and balanced development among the country’s constituent parts.
Fasoranti was involved in pro-democracy advocacy during Nigeria’s years of military rule.
His opposition to authoritarian government and support for democratic governance strengthened his reputation as an elder statesman committed to constitutional rule.
Fasoranti’s political activism came with personal risks. President Tinubu recalled in his centenary tribute that the elder statesman survived an assassination attempt attributed to agents of the regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
In July 2019, Fasoranti’s daughter, Funke Olakunrin, was killed in an attack along the Ondo-Ore Expressway.
Her death triggered widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about insecurity on Nigerian highways. The tragedy was one of the most painful episodes of his later years.
Fasoranti’s life was defined by his involvement in education, politics, democratic activism and advocacy for Yoruba interests.
In his 100th birthday message, he reflected on the different eras he had witnessed, saying: “I have seen colonial rule. I have seen independence. I have seen war and peace. I have seen military rule and democracy.”
