Elder statesman and prominent Yoruba leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has died at the age of 100.
His death was announced on Tuesday by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Aiyedatiwa described the passing of the centenarian as a great loss to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
In a condolence message, Aiyedatiwa said Fasoranti’s life was defined by wisdom, integrity and selfless service, adding that his contributions to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria would remain part of his enduring legacy.
The governor described the late elder statesman as a beacon of wisdom whose counsel, fatherly guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be greatly missed.
Aiyedatiwa said the late centenarian lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints of honour and service for generations to emulate.
The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to grant his family and the people of the state the strength to bear the loss.
On behalf of the state government and the people of the state, Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state over the loss.
Fasoranti was born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, he was a teacher, educationist, politician, pro-democracy activist and leading figure in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.
He began his career as a teacher and served in several educational institutions, including Oyemekun Grammar School, Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School and Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, where he served as principal.
His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as he also established schools to expand access to learning in Ondo State.
Fasoranti played a significant role in the political development of the old Western Region and Ondo State.
He is a disciple of the late nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he was associated with the progressive political tradition and participated actively in Nigeria’s democratic development.
He served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance from 1979 to 1983 under the administration of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin.
As a prominent figure in Afenifere, Fasoranti championed Yoruba interests and advocated good governance, restructuring and democratic principles.
His decades of involvement in public affairs earned him recognition as one of the influential voices in Yoruba political and socio-cultural affairs.