Atiku mourns Afenifere leader Pa Fasoranti, dead at 100

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has mourned Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group. Fasoranti died at the age of 100.

In a condolence message posted on his X handle, Atiku said Fasoranti's standing came from a lifetime of service, principle and sacrifice. He said the late leader's legacy went beyond the titles and offices he held.

Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, sent his condolences to Fasoranti's family, to Afenifere and to the people of Ondo State. He prayed for the deceased to rest in peace.

Why Fasoranti mattered

Fasoranti led Afenifere, a group that has long spoken for Yoruba political interests and often weighed in on national issues such as restructuring and the conduct of elections. For many Nigerians, especially in the South-West, his voice carried weight in debates about how the country is run.

His death at 100 closes a long chapter in that tradition of elder statesmanship. Tributes from across party lines point to how widely he was regarded, even by those who did not always agree with him.

Other leaders have also reacted. The Nation reported that Olu Falae described Fasoranti as a generational leader, and that President Bola Tinubu had earlier hailed him at 100 as a voice for justice and unity.

What happens next

The sources did not give details of funeral arrangements or a date for burial. Condolence messages are expected to continue from political, traditional and civil society leaders in the coming days.