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The National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, has died at the age of 100.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced his death in a statement he personally issued on Tuesday, describing the late elder statesman, the Second Republic finance commissioner in the state, as a patriarch whose life was defined by service to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
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“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire State over this great loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” the governor said.
The governor said Mr Fasoranti’s counsel, fatherly guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be missed.
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“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,” Mr Aiyedatiwa added.
From education to politics
Born on 11 May 1926 in Uso, in present-day Ondo State, Mr Fasoranti built a career as an educationist before becoming a prominent figure in progressive politics and the struggle for democracy.
He studied at the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan, where he earned a degree in English and Geography. He later obtained a postgraduate diploma in education from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom and a master’s degree in education administration and school management from Macquarie University in Australia.
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He taught at Ondo Boys’ High School and other schools in the Ondo-Akure axis before establishing educational institutions, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure.
His political career was closely associated with the late Obafemi Awolowo, whose progressive political tradition shaped his involvement in the defunct Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.
Between 1979 and 1983, Mr Fasoranti served as commissioner for finance in the government of the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State.
He subsequently became one of the leading figures in Afenifere, a socio-political organisation rooted in the progressive political tradition associated with Awolowo.
Role in pro-democracy struggle
Mr Fasoranti was also a prominent voice against military rule, joining other Afenifere figures in the struggle for the restoration of democracy during the years of military dictatorship.
His activism brought him into the wider pro-democracy movement, including the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which opposed military rule and demanded a return to civilian government.
He later emerged as Afenifere’s recognised leader following the death of Abraham Adesanya, although disputes over the organisation’s leadership and direction contributed to divisions among its members.
During Mr Fasoranti’s 100th birthday in May, President Bola Tinubu described him as an elder statesman, administrator, pro-democracy activist and politician whose life reflected integrity, honesty and dedicated public service.
Mr Tinubu also recalled an assassination attempt against the Afenifere leader during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha, saying he emerged more resolute in his opposition to military oppression.
Personal tragedies
Mr Fasoranti also endured profound personal losses. His wife died in 1991, while his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, was killed by gunmen in July 2019.
READ ALSO: My father had covenant with God to die at 100 – Ondo SSG Taiwo Fasoranti
Her killing drew national attention to insecurity and prompted renewed calls for stronger protection of residents and travellers in the South-west.
Despite these tragedies, Mr Fasoranti remained an influential voice in discussions about governance, security, restructuring and the future of Nigeria’s federal system.
At his centenary celebration in May, he reflected on the country’s political evolution, saying: “I have seen colonial rule. I have seen independence. I have seen war and peace. I have seen military rule and democracy. Through it all, one thing has sustained me: the fear of God, hard work, and service to others.”
He also said Afenifere’s political philosophy had taught him that leadership was about sacrifice.
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