Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has constituted a committee to organise a state burial for late Afenifere leader and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.
The committee is expected to work with the Fasoranti family and the leadership of Afenifere to coordinate a befitting burial programme in honour of the late nationalist.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kayode Ajulo will chair the committee, while Apostle Eniola Olushola will serve as secretary.
Other members are Hon. Gbenga Fasua, Gbenga Atiba, Mrs Kosemani Kolawole, Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello, Hon. Idowu Otetubi, Erelu Modupe Martins, George Asonja, Muyiwa Ogunyemi, Hon. Stephen Abitogun and Adetunji Gbenga.
Adeniyan said the state government decided to honour Fasoranti with a state burial in recognition of his contributions to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He said Aiyedatiwa believed the late elder statesman deserved to be celebrated for his life of service, wisdom and selfless leadership.
The governor also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the burial arrangements reflect Fasoranti’s contributions to society.
The committee will coordinate the necessary preparations in consultation with the deceased’s family and Afenifere leadership to ensure a dignified farewell.
Family fixes December 17 for funeral
The state government’s announcement follows the release of burial arrangements by the Fasoranti family.
The family has scheduled a Christian wake-keeping service for Wednesday, December 16, 2026, at 4pm at the late elder statesman’s residence within the Omolere Nursery and Primary School Compound in Akure.
The funeral service and interment will take place on Thursday, December 17, at 10am at St David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure. An outing and thanksgiving service is scheduled for Sunday, December 20, at the same cathedral.
Afenifere has also constituted a separate committee to coordinate the organisation’s participation in the burial. The group said its committee would work with the family’s burial team and the Ondo State Government’s committee.
Fasoranti’s legacy
Fasoranti was a prominent educationist, politician and pro-democracy figure whose public service spanned several decades.
He served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983 and later emerged as a leading figure in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.
His contributions to public life and democratic advocacy drew tributes from political leaders following his death on October 20.
The Ondo State Government said the state burial would recognise his service to the state, Yorubaland and Nigeria, while providing an opportunity for family members, political associates and members of the public to honour his memory.
