A CENTURY OF HONOUR ENDS: Ondo Rainbow Coalition Mourns, as Pa Reuben Fasoranti Bows Out at 100 —The Last Iroko of Awo’s Legacy
The Ondo State Rainbow Coalition has received with profound shock and deep sorrow the news of the passing of our revered father, leader and patriarch, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, who departed this world on Tuesday, 20th October, 2026 at the glorious age of 100.
Pa Fasoranti’s death is not just the loss of a centenarian, it is the exit of a Titan, the end of an extraordinary chapter in Yoruba and Nigerian history, and the closing of the last living link to the authentic political tradition of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Baba Fasoranti lived a life of uncommon integrity, discipline, courage, and selfless service. From the classroom as a dedicated educationist who founded Omolere Nursery and Primary School, Akure High School and others; to public service as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under Chief Adekunle Ajasin; to his decades as a pro-democracy activist and leader of Afenifere, he remained steadfast to the ideals of Awoism — free education, social justice, true federalism, good governance, and welfare for the masses.
As a son of Uso in Owo and a pride of Akure Kingdom and Ondo State, Baba Fasoranti was a dependable voice for justice, equity and progress. His advocacy was instrumental to landmark developments in our state, including the actualization of the FUTA Teaching Hospital.
On behalf of the entire leadership and members of the Rainbow Coalition across the 18 LGAs, 203 Wards and all Polling Units of Ondo State, we commiserate with:
- His son, the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti and the entire Fasoranti family;
- His Imperial Majesty, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and the entire Akure Kingdom;
- His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the Government of Ondo State;
- The leadership and members of Afenifere worldwide;
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the entire Yoruba Nation.
Baba lived to 100 fulfilled years and saw his prediction come to pass when he blessed President Tinubu in 2022 that he would be President in his lifetime. He was indeed a father to all.
We pray that Almighty God will grant his noble soul eternal rest and grant all of us the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti (1926 – 2026): A great Iroko has fallen. His legacy will endure forever.
Adieu, Baba Omoluabi!
Signed:
Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya
Chairman,
Ondo State Rainbow Coalition
Date: 22nd October, 2026
Email: Ondorainbowcoalition@yahoo.com | Facebook: Ondo Rainbow Coalition
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