Nigerian leaders mourn as Afenifere leader, Fasoranti dies at 100

By Stephen Oladele

Leader of Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political group, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, has been reported dead.

He was said to have died on Tuesday at his residence in Akure, Ondo State, at the age of 100 

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa who announced the death in a statement described Fasoranti as patriarch whose life was defined by service to the state, Yorubaland and Nigeria  

The elder stateman had months ago in May, clocked 100 years of age with many Nigerians including President Bola Tinubu celebrating him.

Fasoranti became leader of Afenifere after the former leader, Senator Abraham Adesanya had died.

He was holding the office until later when old age and associated health challenges necessitated it for him to stay off the office for adequate rest.

The association, following this development, made another aged member, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the Acting Leader.

However, Adebanjo predeceased Fasoranti as he died last year when he was about two months away from his 97th year of age.

Fasoranti was born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, in present-day Ondo State, Nigeria and was trained as an educationist.

He served as teacher and school principal before joining politics associating himself with the political camp of the first Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo 

He was in the Action Group in the first republic and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the second republic, both parties of different eras being under the leadership of Awolowo.

During the second republic Fasoranti served as Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State under the administration of Chief Adekunle Ajasin.

Meanwhile leaders across the country including President Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Ababakar, and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, have  mourned the demise of the elder statement.

Tinubu described him as an icon and beacon of principle while Atiku said his stature was earned through a lifetime of service and principle.