Fasoranti dies at 100: Sanwo-Olu, Obasanjo, Awolowo family mourn Afenifere leader

Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of the pan-Yoruba group Afenifere, has died at the age of 100. He passed away on Tuesday, according to the condolence messages that followed.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who chairs the South-West Governors' Forum, said the death marked the end of an era. In a message he signed himself, he called Fasoranti a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service.

"Baba Fasoranti was a respected and passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remain indelible," Sanwo-Olu said. He sent condolences to the Fasoranti family, Afenifere members, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Akure Kingdom.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a statement by his media aide Kehinde Akinyemi, described Fasoranti as one of the last titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria. He said Fasoranti's life was "a masterclass in purposeful longevity, leadership without blemish."

Obasanjo recalled that Fasoranti was a school principal before entering politics, and later served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). He said that record remains a reference point for fiscal discipline and transparency.

He also said Fasoranti led Afenifere through a period of division, stood against military rule and pushed for true federalism, justice and equity.

Awolowo family: 'the last of the titans'

The Awolowo family and the publishers of the Tribune titles also mourned. Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, who heads the family and chairs African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, called Fasoranti a steadfast custodian of Obafemi Awolowo's political ideals.

"The last of the titans has taken his leave. An era has truly ended," Dosumu said in a statement dated October 20, 2026.

In a separate statement, Obasanjo also mourned Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, a former governor of Delta State. He said Nigeria had lost "a fine gentleman, a dedicated medical professional, and a consummate statesman."

Obasanjo recalled working with Uduaghan during his presidency, when Uduaghan served under then Governor James Ibori as Commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government. He said those years prepared Uduaghan to become governor in 2007.

The sources did not give the cause of either death, and no funeral arrangements have been announced.

What happens next

Afenifere, a group that has long spoken for Yoruba political interests, will now need to settle who leads it. Fasoranti's burial plans are expected to be announced by his family and the organisation.