The National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has died on the age of 100, marking the top of a exceptional life devoted to training, politics, democracy and the development of the Yoruba individuals, LEADERSHIP experiences.
(*100*) State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, introduced his loss of life on Tuesday, describing the elder statesman as a logo of knowledge, integrity and selfless service.
Fasoranti was one of many distinguished figures in Nigeria’s progressive political custom and a revered voice on governance, justice and Yoruba unity.
Here are 10 issues to know in regards to the late Afenifere chief.
1. He was born in Akure
Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti hailed from Akure, the capital of (*100*) State. He turned a distinguished determine in Yoruba political and socio-cultural affairs and remained an influential elder statesman for many years.
2. He lived via greater than a century of Nigerian historical past
Born in 1926, Fasoranti lived via colonial rule, Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the Civil War, successive navy administrations and the nation’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
At his centenary celebration in May 2026, he mirrored on the numerous phases of the nation’s historical past that he had witnessed.
3. He was a educated educationist
Fasoranti pursued increased training in Nigeria and overseas. According to a tribute by President Bola Tinubu, he obtained a level in English and Geography from University College Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan.
He additionally earned a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of Hull within the United Kingdom and a grasp’s diploma in Education Administration and School Management from Macquarie University in Australia.
4. He was a disciple of Obafemi Awolowo
Fasoranti was related to the progressive political ideology of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, certainly one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist leaders.
His political outlook mirrored the progressive custom’s emphasis on training, social welfare, public accountability and improvement.
5. He turned a number one determine in Afenifere
Fasoranti rose to change into the nationwide chief of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation established across the progressive political custom related to Awolowo.
The organisation has performed a distinguished position in discussions about Yoruba pursuits, political restructuring, federalism, democracy and nationwide improvement.
6. He opposed navy dictatorship
Fasoranti was a distinguished voice in Nigeria’s pro-democracy battle, talking towards navy rule and advocating democratic governance.
President Tinubu recalled that the elder statesman survived an assassination try linked to the regime of the late navy ruler, General Sani Abacha.
According to Tinubu, the expertise strengthened Fasoranti’s opposition to navy dictatorship and oppression.
7. He was a powerful advocate of Yoruba unity
Throughout his years in public life, Fasoranti referred to as for solidarity among the many Yoruba individuals and remained concerned in discussions regarding their political and socio-economic future.
His management of Afenifere positioned him on the centre of debates about regional pursuits, nationwide integration and the place of the Yoruba in Nigeria’s political construction.
8. He suffered the tragic lack of his daughter
Fasoranti endured a significant household tragedy in July 2019 when his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, was killed in an assault by gunmen alongside the (*100*)-Ore street.
Her loss of life attracted nationwide consideration and renewed considerations about insecurity and the protection of travellers on Nigerian highways.
9. He celebrated his a hundredth birthday in May 2026
Fasoranti marked his centenary on May 11, 2026, with tributes from President Tinubu, political leaders, conventional rulers and different distinguished Nigerians.
The milestone celebrations honoured his contributions to training, democratic improvement and public service.
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