Tribute to the last titan: Pa Reuben Fasoranti (1926-2026), by OluBunmi ODEWUMI

Tribute to the last titan: Pa Reuben Fasoranti (1926-2026), by OluBunmi ODEWUMI

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Nigeria woke today to the silence of a century. Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, National Leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, departed this world peacefully in Akure on October 20, 2026, at 100.

His was a life that spanned Nigeria itself. Born on May 11, 1926 in Uso, in present-day Ondo State, the self-described “village boy” rose through Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College and University College Ibadan to become a revered educationist. He studied further at Hull and Macquarie, and as principal and proprietor of Omolere and Akure High School, he built minds before he built politics.

Fasoranti was the purest disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. From Action Group to Unity Party of Nigeria, he lived Awo’s progressive ideals. As Commissioner for Finance under Chief Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State (1979-1983), he helped deliver welfarist governance. When democracy was annulled on June 12, 1993, he did not hide. As a NADECO stalwart, he confronted Sani Abacha’s junta and survived a 1996 assassination attempt for his conviction.

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Taking over Afenifere’s leadership after Pa Abraham Adesanya, he became the custodian of Yoruba conscience – steady, principled, fatherly. Through internal crises and national turbulence, his voice remained the moral compass on restructuring, justice and true federalism.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa rightly called him a beacon of wisdom and integrity.

Pa Fasoranti has closed a remarkable chapter. He lived a fulfilled life of service, sacrifice and dignity.

Omo Akure, Omo Yoruba atata, sun re o. May his noble soul rest in perfect peace.

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