A prominent leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has died at the age of 100.
His death was confirmed in Akure on Tuesday by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who announced it in a condolence statement on behalf of the state government.
Fasoranti was widely respected as an elder statesman and influential voice in Yoruba affairs. Aiyedatiwa described him as a patriarch and a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service, noting his contributions to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Here are 10 things to know about Pa Reuben Fasoranti:
- Birth and early life: Fasoranti was born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, Nigeria.
- Early education: He began his education in his hometown of Uso before attending Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College in Lagos and the University College in Ibadan, where he obtained a higher degree in English and Geography.
- Further studies: He pursued a postgraduate diploma in Education at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, majoring in English Language and Latin. He later attended Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, where he obtained a master’s degree in Education Administration and School Management.
- Teaching career: He began his professional career as a teacher at his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School.
- School administration: He later served in teaching and administrative roles, including as a principal at institutions such as Oyemekun Grammar School and Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School.
- School founder: Fasoranti established several educational institutions, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and St. Frances’ Academy in Igoba, Akure. He founded St. Frances’ Academy in memory of his late wife.
- Political involvement: His political career was shaped by Yoruba ideals and principles. He was associated with the Action Group (AG) and later the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), both founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
- Commissioner for Finance: Under the UPN-led government, he served as Ondo State’s Commissioner for Finance from 1979 to 1983.
- Yoruba activism: He was an activist who campaigned for the liberation of the Yoruba in the 1990s.
- Afenifere leadership: A central part of his political activism was his leadership role in Afenifere, the prominent pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.