Ondo begins preparations for Fasoranti’s state burial as committee meets family
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Government has commenced formal preparations for the state burial of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, following an inaugural meeting between the State Burial Committee, the deceased’s family and the leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.
The statement issued in Akure, the state capital by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan
The meeting, held at the late elder statesman’s residence in Akure, was aimed at harmonising the burial arrangements of the state government, the Fasoranti family and Afenifere to ensure a coordinated and dignified programme in honour of the departed nationalist.
Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100, was a prominent Yoruba leader whose contributions to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria earned him recognition across the country.
The committee, constituted by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, was led by a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bakitta Bello, in the absence of its chairman, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN.
The delegation was received by the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Oba Oluyemi Falae, and the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, who represented the family and Afenifere leadership.
The two representatives commended Aiyedatiwa for constituting the committee and his decision to accord the late elder statesman a state burial in recognition of his contributions to the development of the state and the Yoruba nation.
They described the gesture as an indication of the respect and high regard in which the late nationalist was held by the government and people of Ondo State.
The meeting also deliberated on the need to involve all relevant stakeholders in the burial arrangements, particularly individuals, institutions and groups associated with the late Afenifere leader.
It further considered modalities for harmonising the plans of the family and Afenifere with those of the state government to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated burial programme.
A major issue discussed was the constitution of various sub-committees to accommodate the interests of different groups and stakeholders who would be involved in the arrangements.
The committee assured the family and Afenifere leadership of the state government’s readiness to work closely with them to celebrate the life, ideals and legacies of the late elder statesman.
Children and grandchildren of the deceased were also present at the meeting.
