President Bola Tinubu and the family of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo have mourned the death of the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.
Fasoranti died peacefully at his residence in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, according to his eldest son, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government.
Tinubu, in a condolence message, described the late elder statesman as a principled leader and one of the last surviving pillars of Awolowo’s progressive political tradition.
The President said Nigeria would miss Fasoranti’s wisdom, moral authority and fatherly counsel, noting that his life was marked by integrity, discipline, selflessness and commitment to national development.
He also recalled visiting Fasoranti in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency.
According to Tinubu, the late Afenifere leader had prayed for him and expressed confidence that he would become President during his lifetime.
The President commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government, the South-West and members of Afenifere over the loss.
He noted that Fasoranti remained committed to true federalism, social justice and a Nigeria that works for all, adding that the elder statesman made significant contributions to the country’s democratic development.
The Awolowo family also described Fasoranti’s death as the end of a remarkable era in the political history of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
In a condolence statement, the head of the family and Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, said the late Afenifere leader was among the last great figures of the political tradition established by Awolowo.
She said Fasoranti remained loyal to Awolowo’s ideals of justice, equity, progressive governance and service to the common good throughout his life.
According to her, his death represents the loss of a vital link to the political movement’s founding vision and traditions.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also mourned the centenarian, describing him as a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose contributions to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria would endure.
Fasoranti’s son, Taiwo, said the family had looked forward to celebrating his father’s 101st birthday but had accepted his death as the will of God.
He described the loss as an opportunity to reflect on his father’s long life and lasting influence, particularly among the Yoruba people.
The late Afenifere leader was also praised by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Oba Olu Falae, who described him as an exceptional figure in Nigeria’s political, religious and social life.
Falae, who said he had known Fasoranti intimately for more than 60 years, recalled that the late statesman was calm, rarely quarrelled with others and often helped resolve disputes.
He also highlighted Fasoranti’s commitment to education, recalling how he assisted pupils from poor backgrounds while serving as a school principal.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the death as the end of an era, praising Fasoranti’s contributions to education, public service, community development and the pursuit of good governance.
Similarly, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the deceased as a patriot and statesman who placed national interest above personal and sectional considerations.
Bamidele said Fasoranti’s commitment to democracy, national unity and true federalism had left an enduring legacy.
The late elder statesman celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11, 2026, after decades of involvement in education, public service and progressive politics.
