… Gave poor pupils, students second chance at education

… Oba Falae dismisses concerns on Afenifere leadership transition

… Says loss is a big void in the Yoruba nation

Sympathisers have been trooping to the Akure residence of the late leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, following his death on Tuesday evening at the age of 100.

Pa Fasoranti, a former Commissioner of Finance in the old Ondo State and one of the foremost leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, passed away peacefully in his room at about 4 p.m. on October 20, 2026, barely five months after celebrating his centenary birthday in May.

His son, Taiwo Fasoranti, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, confirmed the passage of his father with The Guardian at the family residence, describing his father’s death as a moment of celebration rather than mourning given the impactful life he lived.

Former Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Oba Olu Falae, the Olu of Iluabo, who described the deceased as an exceptionally generational man, said he had known Pa Fasoranti intimately for more than sixty years without ever hearing him quarrel with or shout at anyone.

“One in a thousand years. I have known him intimately for more than sixty years, and in all that time, I have never heard him quarrel with anybody or shout at anyone, even at political meetings. He was always ready to mediate in any dispute brought to his attention, be it from the Akure community, from the church, or from the political party. Wherever he was, he was always ready to assist disputants to resolve whatever was at issue,” Oba Falae said.

The former SGF recalled that as principal of Oyemekun Grammar School, Pa Fasoranti admitted many pupils from poor homes and allowed them to complete their secondary education on credit, giving them a chance to repay after leaving school.

He described the loss as a big void in the political, religious and social life of Akure, Ondo State and the Yoruba nation.

Oba Falae also dismissed concerns about a succession struggle within Afenifere, saying the leadership of the organisation chooses itself and a new leader will emerge without any contest.

“Leadership chooses itself. A new leader will emerge without any struggle. It is obvious who the next leader will be, and I hope and pray it will be so this time,” Oba Falae stated.

Taiwo Fasoranti, speaking on behalf of the family, said his father was a man of few words and full of wisdom, whose calm demeanour in the face of adversity stood him out.

“What will I miss about him? His demeanour in the face of adversity. He was a man of few words and full of wisdom. My day starts with seeing him in the morning and seeing him when I get back from the office, no matter how late. I just want to thank God that I will remember a father who was very affirmative and very stern in his messages. With little threat, he will communicate with you in a low voice, but the message is full of meaning,” he said.

The family urged Nigerians and admirers across the globe to celebrate the life of the late statesman and take a cue from his life of service, his belief in education and his commitment to giving back to the community.

“Baba believed that you must be educated. Education is key to him. So those of us who met him, his friends, family members, colleagues, admirers, should look for a child, educate that child, and sow into the lives of people. Be a community person and give back to your community,” Taiwo added.