Sanwo-Olu Mourns Fasoranti, Hails His Legacy of Service at 100

The Merit Newspaper | Lagos -October 20, 2026

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the death of renowned Yoruba elder statesman and national leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, describing him as a respected leader whose contributions to education, public service and community development remain indelible. Fasoranti died on Tuesday at the age of 100, according to reports confirming his death.

Sanwo-Olu expressed his condolences in a message shared on his Facebook page, extending his sympathy to the deceased’s family, members of Afenifere and the entire Yoruba people over the loss of the prominent nationalist and political leader.

“Baba Fasoranti was a respected and passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remain indelible,” the governor said, adding that the late elder statesman had positively impacted many lives through his courageous and uncompromising leadership.

The Lagos governor, who also chairs the South-West Governors’ Forum, said Fasoranti’s commitment to public service and community development was commendable, noting that his contributions to the progress of Yorubaland and Nigeria would remain significant. Sanwo-Olu also extended his condolences on behalf of his family, the Lagos State Government and his fellow governors in the South-West.

Reflecting on the deceased’s leadership of Afenifere, Sanwo-Olu said Fasoranti made significant positive contributions to Yorubaland and Nigeria throughout his lifetime. He commended the late leader for steering the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation and sustaining its advocacy for the interests and development of the Yoruba people.

“We cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance, which he championed for many decades during his lifetime,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

The Merit Newspaper reports that Fasoranti was born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, Fasoranti was an educationist, politician and prominent advocate of democratic governance. He studied at the University College, Ibadan, now the University of Ibadan, and later obtained additional qualifications in education in the United Kingdom and Australia. He also served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State from 1979 to 1983 and became a leading figure in the progressive political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Fasoranti remained a prominent voice in Yoruba affairs and Nigeria’s democratic development, particularly through his association with Afenifere and his advocacy for justice, good governance and constitutional restructuring. His personal life was also marked by tragedy, including the killing of his daughter, Funke Olakunrin, in July 2019, an incident that attracted widespread national attention.

Praying for the repose of the deceased’s soul, Sanwo-Olu said: “I pray for the repose of his soul. May God grant his family, loved ones and the Yoruba people the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”