Disciple of Awo, became Yoruba Leader, l0st a daughter to bandits – Quick facts about Pa Reuben Fasoranti who D!ed at 100
Disciple of Awo, became Yoruba Leader, lost a daughter to bandits – Quick facts about Pa Reuben Fasoranti who Died at 100
1. Born in 1926: Pa Reuben Fasoranti was born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, in present-day Ondo State, Nigeria. He celebrated his 100th birthday in May 2026.
2. He was a trained educationist: Before becoming widely known in politics, Fasoranti built a career in education, working as a teacher and school principal.
3. He studied in Nigeria and abroad: His educational journey took him through Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College, the University College Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan), the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, and Maguire University in Sydney, Australia.
4. He was a follower of Chief Obafemi Awolowo: Fasoranti was associated with Awolowo’s political tradition, joining the Action Group and later becoming involved with the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
5. He served as Ondo State Commissioner for Finance: Between 1979 and 1983, he served in the administration of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the first civilian governor of Ondo State during the Second Republic.
6. He established schools: His commitment to education continued beyond his teaching career. He established educational institutions, including Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School.
7. He became a prominent Afenifere leader: Fasoranti emerged as a leading figure in Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political organisation known for its advocacy of democratic governance, social justice and the interests of the Yoruba people.
8. He was involved in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle: During the years of military dictatorship, particularly under General Sani Abacha, Fasoranti and other pro-democracy figures opposed authoritarian rule and advocated democratic government.
9. He is associated with the values of Omoluabi: His public image has been closely linked to the Yoruba ideals of integrity, discipline, honesty and service to the community.
10. He witnessed a century of Nigerian history: Born before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Fasoranti lived through colonial rule, independence, the Civil War, successive military governments and the return to civilian democracy in 1999.
11. THE TRAGIC LOSS OF HIS DAUGHTER: On July 12, 2019, Pa Reuben Fasoranti suffered a devastating family tragedy when his 58-year-old daughter, Mrs Funke Olakunrin, was shot dead by gunmen at Kajola, along the Benin–Ore Expressway in Ondo State. She was travelling from Akure towards Lagos when the attack occurred.
Her kīlling sparked nationwide øutrage and renewed calls for improved security on Nigeria’s highways. In June 2022, an Ondo State High Court sentenced three men convïcted in connection with her mürdêr to dēãth by hanging, while a fourth defendant was discharged and acquitted.
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