Afenifere Mourns Fasoranti, Awolowo Ally, NADECO Activist

…As Late Yoruba Leader Championed Democracy and People-Centred Governance

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has announced the death of its leader and Asiwaju Yoruba, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, describing him as a humanist, philanthropist, exemplary leader and genuine patriot.

Fasoranti, who died at about four o’clock on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, was 100 years old. He celebrated his centenary on May 11 this year.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said the late elder statesman was a model of courage who lived an exemplary life and remained committed to the welfare of the people.

He became the organisation’s leader in November 2008, succeeding Chief Abraham Adesanya, who died in August of the same year.

Fasoranti was a prominent follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and participated in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and subsequent efforts to restore democracy.

He was also active in the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, which championed the restoration of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

An educationist, Fasoranti established Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure.

He later served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance between 1979 and 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin.

Afenifere expressed condolences to his immediate and extended families, the Ondo State Government and people, the Yoruba nation and Nigerians, saying the organisation would sorely miss the late leader. It added that details of his burial arrangements would be announced later.