Afenifere sets up 33-member committee for Fasoranti’s burial

PAN-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Tuesday, constituted a 33-member committee to coordinate the burial arrangements for its late leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.

The committee, announced on Tuesday at a meeting of Afenifere’s National Executive Committee, at the deceased’s residence in Akure, Ondo State, is chaired by Oba Olu Falae.

According to Falae, who listed the committee to include representatives of Afenifere and other groups that had previously met at Ogbo, Ogun State, added that its membership would be expanded to ensure wider representation.

Members of the burial planning committee include Oba Samuel Falae, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Chief Supo Shonibare.

Others are: Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Tola Mobulurin, Otunba Dr Samuel Ibikunle, Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Aluko, Dr Gbola Adetunji, Honourable Wale Oshun, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, Chief Pekun Awobona and Engineer Bayo Adenekan.

Also in the list are Abagun Kole Omololu, Dr Akin Onigbinde, SAN, Professor Akin Onigbinde, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Dr David Atte, Chief Ayo Abereoran, Honourable Lanre Omisore, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Otunba Deji Wellington, Mrs Nike Olujembola, Mrs Oluwatoyin Falade, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Arc. Goke Omigbodun and Chief Ademola Folarin.

Falae said the committee would work with the family’s burial committee and the government committee to organise a befitting burial for the elder statesman.

He stressed that the immediate priority was to give the late leader a befitting burial, expressing confidence that a credible successor would emerge after the funeral.

The development came as the organisation urged its members to prioritise unity and the preservation of Fasoranti’s legacy, warning that discussions on leadership succession before his burial were premature and contrary to Yoruba cultural values.

Falae said the immediate priority was to honour Fasoranti’s life and contributions, expressing confidence that a credible leader would emerge to lead the organisation after the burial.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Olori Rachael Falae described the deceased as a quiet, disciplined and trustworthy leader whose integrity and commitment to public service earned him the respect of the Akure community.

She recalled that Fasoranti combined his responsibilities as a local government chairman and school principal with dedication.

She noted that the tenure of the late leader of Afenifere witnessed the construction of important roads in Akure, including the road linking the A Division Police Station to the State Hospital and the road from NEPA Roundabout to the St Thomas’s area.

“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.

Olori Falae added that the late elder statesman remained firm in his convictions despite challenges, noting that his home had become a point of reference for resolving difficult matters in Akure.

She recalled that following the announcement of his death, the Deji of Akure had expressed concern about finding another leader of his stature.

Appealing to Afenifere members to preserve his legacy, she urged the organisation to resolve its differences and remain united in the interest of 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 members must look beyond their differences and consider the expectations of the younger generation.

“We must think of the future because the next generation is looking up to us. If there is any difference, they should try to settle it so that Papa’s spirit, wherever it is, will be happy,” she said.

On the burial arrangements, Olori Falae said the family expected participation from Afenifere members, the Akure community, the Anglican Church and state governors.

She disclosed that tributes would begin around the Monday preceding the funeral, with specific days allocated to different groups, while the governors would determine their level of participation.

She also reaffirmed the family’s intention to ensure that the funeral reflected Fasoranti’s strong religious convictions and his contributions to public life.

Fasoranti’s family had earlier announced December 17, for his funeral service and interment.