SAD: Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti passes away at 100.

BY SNOW TV NEWS DESK

The eldest child of the National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, has said his father died peacefully on his bed at the age of 100.

Taiwo disclosed this in an interview with journalists following the death of his father on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

He said the family was grateful for the life and legacy of the late Afenifere leader and did not consider the demise as mourning but as a time to celebrate his longevity and contributions to society.

He said, “Baba passed on this evening around 4 p.m. peacefully in his room, in his bed. At about 4 p.m., on the 20th of October 2026, Baba was 100 years old.

“He turned 100 in May. We were all looking forward to his 101st birthday, but God knows best. We’re happy; we thank God for his life and for the impactful life he lived.

“I don’t count it as a mourning, but I count it as time to celebrate his longevity and his influence and impact in the lives of Nigerians, especially Yoruba people. The family is very grateful for the support.”

Reflecting on their close relationship, Taiwo said it afforded him the opportunity to enjoy personal conversations with his father.

According to Taiwo, his late father communicated important messages calmly but with great meaning, stressing he is an educationist who remained committed to his schools until a few weeks before his death.

Taiwo called on family members, friends, colleagues, and admirers of the late elder statesman to honor his memory by supporting the education of children who might otherwise lack access to schooling.

He stated, “My day starts with seeing him in the morning and seeing him when I get back from the office. No matter how late it is, he will still be up waiting for me to come in.

“I just want to thank God that I will remember a father who was very affirmative and very stern but passed on his messages with little or no threat. He will communicate with you in a low voice, but the message is full of meaning. I think we will miss that in this family.

“Baba was an educationist to the core. Even until a few weeks ago, he still went out of his house to one of his schools.

“He was a leader that wanted people to give back to the community they served. He was a selfless person. So I think people who knew him should take a cue from that. A life of service.

“Baba believed that you must be educated. Education is key to him. So those of us who met him, his friends, family members, colleagues, and admirers should look for a child and educate that child. Sow into the lives of those people. Make sure people are educated. And also be a community person. Give back to your community. That’s what I would tell them.”

SNOW TV NEWS EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT

Pa Reuben Fasoranti: A Century of Service, Leadership, and Legacy. He may be gone, but his legacy should live on through the lives Nigerians uplift and the communities they serve.

The death of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the respected leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, at the age of 100, marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Nigeria’s history.

According to his son, Taiwo Fasoranti, the elder statesman died peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Rather than viewing his passing solely as a moment of grief, the family has chosen to celebrate a century of life, leadership, and meaningful contributions to society.

Beyond his influence in Yoruba socio-political affairs, Pa Fasoranti’s commitment to education, community development, and selfless service stands as a lasting example for future generations.

As Nigeria reflects on his legacy, the greatest honor the country can give this elder statesman is to embrace the values he championed: integrity, responsible leadership, community service, and investment in the next generation.