Afenifere sets up burial committee for Fasoranti, rules out succession talk

Afenifere has named a committee to plan the funeral of its late leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died on October 20 at his home in Akure at the age of 100.

The pan-Yoruba group's National Executive Committee took the decision on Tuesday at a meeting held at the deceased's residence in the Ondo State capital, where it also delivered a condolence message to the family.

Oba Olu Falae, who chairs the National Executive Committee, announced the team. He said it will work alongside the family's own burial committee and the government's committee so that Fasoranti gets a fitting send-off. Membership is drawn from Afenifere and other groups that used to meet at Ogbo in Ogun State, and Falae said more names may be added.

No talk of a successor yet

Falae also pushed back on any discussion of who takes over the group, saying it is too early. "Any discussion on leadership succession is premature and contrary to Yoruba culture," he told reporters, adding that it is not proper to debate a successor before the leader is buried.

He said the group's focus for now is the burial, and that a credible leader will emerge afterwards.

The sources differ slightly on the committee list. Punch and Channels TV include Chief Lekan Alabi, who is missing from Vanguard's version, while Leadership gives Falae's name as Oba Samuel Falae.

Among those named are Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Chief Supo Shonibare, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Chief Sola Ebiseni and Comrade Jare Ajayi.

Family plans and what happens next

The family has already fixed December 17, 2026 for the funeral service and interment in Akure. Speaking for the family, Olori Rachael Falae described the late leader as quiet, disciplined and trustworthy, and said he was firm once he made up his mind on anything.

She recalled that he combined his work as a local government chairman with running a school, and that roads were built in Akure during his time in council, including the stretch from A Division Police Station to the State Hospital.

According to her, tributes will begin on the Monday before the funeral, with days set aside for different groups. The Anglican Church and state governors will also take part, with the governors deciding how they will be involved.

For now, the message from Afenifere is unity: the group wants the burial to bring its members together rather than open a fight over who leads next.