2 hours ago
1
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the elder statesman and prominent leader of Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.
Fasoranti’s life spanned colonial rule, Nigeria’s independence, military dictatorship and the country’s return to democratic government. Beyond his prominence in Yoruba politics, he was an educationist, school founder, former finance commissioner and advocate for democratic governance.
Here are 10 remarkable facts about his life and legacy.
1. He was born before Nigeria gained independence
Fasoranti was born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, in present-day Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. He turned 100 in May 2026, having lived through some of the most consequential periods in Nigeria’s history, from colonial administration to the Fourth Republic.
2. He pursued education across three continents
His educational journey took him from Nigeria to the United Kingdom and Australia. He attended Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College in Lagos and the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan.
He later obtained a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of Hull in the UK and a master’s degree in Education Administration and School Management from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. His international academic experience helped shape a career devoted to teaching and school administration.
3. He remained committed to education long after becoming a political figure
Fasoranti was a teacher and school administrator before becoming widely known for his political activism. He taught at Ondo Boys’ High School and served in educational institutions in the Ondo-Akure area.
His commitment extended beyond his formal career. He established Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure. In an interview published when he was 94, he said he had not completely retired from educational activities and still visited schools to meet teachers.
4. He served as Ondo State’s Commissioner for Finance
Between 1979 and 1983, Fasoranti served as Commissioner for Finance in the government of the late Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin.
The period coincided with the Second Republic and the administration of the Unity Party of Nigeria, which promoted programmes associated with free education, healthcare and rural development. President Bola Tinubu later credited Fasoranti with helping manage the state’s finances during that administration.
5. He was among the political figures influenced by Obafemi Awolowo
Fasoranti belonged to the political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He joined the Action Group and later became involved with the Unity Party of Nigeria, carrying forward the progressive political ideas associated with Awolowo and his followers.
His political identity became closely linked to public education, social welfare, regional development and constitutional governance.
6. He played a role in the movement that led to Ondo State’s creation
Fasoranti was recognised by Governor Aiyedatiwa as one of the founding figures associated with the agitation that culminated in the creation of Ondo State in 1976.
His contribution placed him within the generation of political leaders who sought a distinct administrative identity for the people of the area. The governor described his role, alongside other progressive leaders, as part of the foundation of the state’s development and identity.
7. He became a leading voice in Afenifere
Fasoranti rose to prominence within Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation associated with the progressive political tradition of the South-West.
Following the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya, Fasoranti emerged as a recognised leader of the organisation amid divisions within its ranks. His leadership kept him at the centre of debates about Yoruba interests, national development, political representation and Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
8. He opposed military dictatorship and supported the struggle for democracy
Fasoranti was among the Yoruba political figures who opposed military rule and advocated a return to democratic government. His activism placed him within the wider pro-democracy movement during a period when political opposition faced serious risks.
President Tinubu’s centenary tribute recalled Fasoranti’s role in resisting military dictatorship and noted that he survived an assassination attempt attributed to agents of the regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
9. He endured the loss of his wife and daughter
Fasoranti experienced profound personal tragedies during his lifetime. His wife died in 1991, and his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, was killed by gunmen in July 2019.
The killing of Olakunrin, who was 58, drew national attention and renewed concerns about insecurity on Nigerian highways. The tragedy also became part of the public story of Fasoranti’s later years, as he continued to be a prominent voice in national affairs.
10. His centenary became an occasion for reflection on leadership and public service
When Fasoranti turned 100 on May 11, 2026, political leaders, academics, traditional rulers and Yoruba stakeholders gathered to celebrate his life and discuss his legacy.
The celebrations went beyond longevity, with speakers highlighting his contributions to education, democratic activism and public life. At a centenary lecture, prominent figures also called for greater unity among South-West states and renewed attention to federalism and national development.
English (US) ·