The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has constituted a 33-member committee to coordinate the burial arrangements for its late leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died recently at the age of 100.
The late elder statesman’s funeral service and interment have been scheduled for December 17, 2026, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, according to his family.
The decision to establish the committee was reached at a meeting of Afenifere in Akure, where members also presented a condolence message to the family of the deceased.
The National Executive Committee (NEC), chaired by Oba Olu Falae, said the committee would work closely with the family and government committees to ensure that Fasoranti receives a befitting burial.
Falae explained that the committee comprises members of Afenifere and representatives of other groups that had previously held meetings at Ogbo in Ogun State.
Prominent members of the committee include Oba Olu Falae, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Chief Supo Shonibare, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Tola Mobulurin, Otunba Dr Samuel Ibikunle, Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Aluko, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel.
Other members are Dr Gbola Adetunji, Wale Oshun, Iyiola Omisore, Chief Pekun Awobona, Engineer Bayo Adenekan, Abagun Kole Omololu, Akin Onigbinde, Dare Babarinsa, Dr David Atte, Chief Ayo Abereoran, Lanre Omisore, Sola Ebiseni, Deji Wellington, Nike Olujembola, Oluwatoyin Falade, Jare Ajayi, Goke Omigbodun and Ademola Folarin.
Afenifere stressed the importance of unity among all groups participating in the burial arrangements, adding that the committee could be expanded if necessary.
Afenifere Rules Out Succession Discussions
The organisation also dismissed the possibility of discussing who would succeed Fasoranti before his burial, describing such conversations as premature and inconsistent with Yoruba cultural traditions.
Falae maintained that the immediate priority was to honour the late leader with a befitting burial before considering the emergence of a new leader for the organisation.
According to him, discussions about succession should come only after the burial has been concluded.
The position is intended to prevent disagreements over leadership from overshadowing the mourning period and the arrangements for the late elder statesman’s final rites.
Family Pays Tribute to Late Afenifere Leader
Speaking on behalf of the family, Olori Rachael Falae described Fasoranti as a quiet, disciplined and trustworthy leader who maintained a high standard of integrity throughout his public life.
She recalled that he successfully combined his responsibilities as a local government chairman and school principal, noting that his period in public office was marked by important road construction projects in Akure.
According to her, some of the roads constructed during his tenure included the route from the A Division Police Station to the State Hospital and the road from NEPA Roundabout to the St Thomas area.
She said Fasoranti remained committed to discipline and honesty in both his personal and political life.
“Papa was a very quiet person and highly disciplined, and this discipline he carried even into his political life. He was a leader who could be trusted,” she said.
Rachael Falae also recalled how the late statesman managed his official responsibilities while maintaining close ties with his family.
She explained that he would travel from Oyo to preside over council meetings, spend weekends with his family and subsequently return to his official duties.
She further described him as a man who stood firmly by his convictions once he was convinced about an issue.
According to her, Fasoranti was widely respected in Akure, where residents often sought his intervention in difficult matters.
She recalled the reaction of the Deji of Akure following the announcement of his death, saying the traditional ruler questioned how the community would find another leader like him.
Family Calls for Unity and Preservation of His Legacy
The family representative appealed to members of Afenifere to preserve Fasoranti’s legacy by working together and resolving any disagreements within the organisation.
She urged the group to remain committed to promoting unity and values that would benefit the Yoruba people and future generations.
“I am appealing to the Afenifere group that they should please let this attitude remain, that they should work together and ensure that Afenifere stands for something that is good, something unique, something that can bring our people together,” she said.
She added that the next generation was looking up to the organisation and its members, urging them to settle their differences in honour of the late leader.
According to her, maintaining peace and unity would be a fitting way to preserve the values Fasoranti represented throughout his lifetime.
Governors, Church and Community to Participate in Burial
On the funeral arrangements, Rachael Falae disclosed that the family, community representatives, the church and state governors would participate in the programme.
She said the Anglican Church would play a role in the activities, reflecting Fasoranti’s strong commitment to religious life.
She also explained that tributes would begin several days before the funeral, with specific days allocated to different groups to honour the deceased.
The state governors are expected to determine their level of participation in the arrangements.
Fasoranti’s death marks the end of an era for Afenifere, where he served as a prominent leader and elder statesman. The organisation is now focused on ensuring a peaceful and dignified burial while maintaining unity among its members before addressing the question of future leadership.
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