Afenifere Leader Fasoranti Died Peacefully in His Sleep at 100 — Taiwo Fasoranti,

The eldest child of Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Taiwo Fasoranti, has said his father died peacefully in his bed at the age of 100.

Taiwo, who serves as the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, disclosed this while speaking with journalists following the death of the elder statesman on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

He said the family was grateful for the life and legacy of the late Yoruba leader, describing his death not as a period of mourning but as an opportunity to celebrate his longevity, influence and contributions to society.

“Baba passed on this evening around 4 p.m. peacefully in his room, in his bed. About 4 p.m., 20th of October 2026, Baba was 100 years old,” he said.

According to him, Fasoranti turned 100 in May, and the family had been looking forward to celebrating his 101st birthday.

“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,” Taiwo said.

He added that the family considered his father’s death an opportunity to celebrate his remarkable life and the impact he made, particularly among Nigerians and the Yoruba people.

“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,” he said.

Reflecting on their close relationship, Taiwo said he enjoyed a special bond with his father, which gave him the opportunity to share personal conversations with the late elder statesman.

He described his father as a firm but calm disciplinarian who communicated important messages without intimidation, noting that his wisdom and approach to family life would be deeply missed.

“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,” he said.

“I just want to thank God that I will remember a father who was very affirmative, very stern, but passed on his messages with little or without 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.”

Taiwo also described Fasoranti as a committed educationist who remained actively involved in his schools until a few weeks before his death.

“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 said.

He urged family members, friends, colleagues and admirers of the late Afenifere leader to honour his legacy by investing in the education of underprivileged children and contributing to the development of their communities.

According to him, his father strongly believed that education was essential to personal development and societal progress, while also emphasising the responsibility of individuals to give back to the communities that supported them.

“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,” Taiwo said.

He added: “Baba believed that you must be educated. Education is key to him. So those of us who met him, his friends, family members, colleagues, admirers should look for a child, 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.”

The family expressed gratitude for the support and condolences received following the death of the prominent Yoruba leader, whose legacy of education, community service and public engagement remains central to his life’s work.