Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti dies at 100
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, is dead. He died at the age of 100.
His death has cast a shadow of grief over Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria, with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa describing his death as a monumental loss to the state and the country.
Fasoranti, whose century-long life was marked by his commitment to public service, principled leadership and the pursuit of justice and good governance, died on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, according to a statement by the Ondo State governor mourning the departed statesman.
In a condolence message, Aiyedatiwa expressed profound sadness over the death of the Afenifere leader, describing him as a patriarch whose wisdom, integrity and selfless service left an enduring imprint on the lives of the people.
The governor said the late Fasoranti devoted his life to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria, adding that his counsel, fatherly guidance and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and good governance would be sorely missed.
“With a heavy heart but with total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing of our revered elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who departed this world at the glorious age of 100,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa described the centenarian as a beacon of wisdom and integrity whose life represented an enduring example of service, honour and dedication to the common good.
He said Fasoranti’s death had created a painful vacuum, particularly among those who looked up to him for guidance, counsel and inspiration in the pursuit of a just and progressive society.
According to the governor, the late statesman lived a fulfilled life and left behind an enviable legacy that would continue to inspire generations long after his departure.
“His counsel, fatherly guidance and principled stand on issues of justice and good governance will be sorely missed. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints of honour and legacy for generations to come,” he said.
The governor, on behalf of the Ondo State Government and its people, extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state over the loss.
He prayed that God would grant the family and all those mourning the elder statesman the strength to bear the irreparable loss, while asking for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Fasoranti’s death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the life of a man whose name became associated with principled leadership and the enduring struggle for good governance.
At 100, the late elder statesman leaves behind a legacy of integrity, courage and service that will remain a source of reflection for political leaders, community figures and younger generations.
For the people of Ondo State and Yorubaland, his passing is not merely the loss of a centenarian but the departure of a respected voice whose experience and moral authority represented a link between generations.
As tributes emerge, the challenge for those he leaves behind will be to preserve the values he championed and ensure that his lifelong commitment to justice, responsible leadership and the public good continues to find expression in the affairs of the state and the nation.
