The Senate has mourned former Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died on October 20, 2026, at the age of 100, resolving to recommend that an educational institution be named after him.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, representing Ondo Central, who described the late elder statesman as a committed nationalist whose contributions to education, democracy and political development would remain indelible.
Born on May 11, 1926, in Akure, Ondo State, Fasoranti had a distinguished career in education and politics. He established Omooluorogbo Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School, contributing to educational development in the state.
The Senate also recalled his association with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his role as a founding member of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and his emergence as leader of Afenifere after the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya.
Fasoranti served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance under the administration of the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin between 1979 and 1983. He was also involved in the struggle against military rule and the campaign for the restoration of democratic governance.
Seconding the motion, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North, described Fasoranti’s death as a significant loss to the state, recalling his role in resolving disputes among youths, elders and other groups.
“He was always there to resolve problems within the youth, within the elders and among all parties concerned in any dispute. But today we have lost him,” Ipinsagba said.
He likened the loss of the elder statesman to the destruction of a repository of knowledge, saying: “His death is like a burnt library to all the people in the State because of the knowledge that we tapped from him.”
The Senate adopted three prayers: observing a minute of silence in his honour, sending a delegation to convey its condolences to his family and the people of Ondo State, and recommending that an educational institution be named after him in recognition of his contributions to education in Yoruba land.
