Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, a longtime leader of Nigeria’s pan-Yoruba political organization Afenifere and a former state finance commissioner, has died at 100, President Bola Tinubu said in an Oct. 20 tribute.
Tinubu called Fasoranti “a beacon of principle” and associated his political career with federalism and social justice. The president also linked him to the political legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Fasoranti worked as a teacher and school principal before entering government. He served as finance commissioner in the old Ondo State administration from 1979 to 1983, according to a tribute Tinubu issued for his 100th birthday. Tinubu described him as an opponent of military rule and an advocate of Yoruba unity.
Fasoranti turned 100 on May 11. In remarks read on his behalf at the birthday celebration, he reflected on the changes in government he had witnessed during his lifetime, according to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
