Afenifere has announced burial arrangements for its late leader, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, as the pan-Yoruba organisation prepares to give the elder statesman a befitting farewell.
The organisation said Oba Olu Falae, chairman of its National Executive Committee, would lead a delegation from eight states in Yoruba land on a sympathy visit to the Fasoranti family in Akure.
According to a statement by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the visit coincides with the eighth day after Fasoranti’s death. The statement noted that the day, known as Ojo Kejo in Yoruba tradition, carries symbolic significance.
The group also thanked individuals and organisations that had expressed condolences over the death of its leader. It maintained that Afenifere remained united despite his passing.
Afenifere Begins Preparations for Fasoranti’s Burial
Afenifere said Falae and the deceased’s family were setting up a burial committee to coordinate the funeral arrangements.
The organisation stressed that its immediate priority was to honour Fasoranti rather than discuss leadership matters.
“Our attention presently is on how to give our leader and Asiwaju Yoruba a glorious burial that he deserves,” the statement said.
It added that discussing leadership while Fasoranti’s remains had yet to be buried would go against Yoruba values and principles.
Afenifere also dismissed speculation about a leadership challenge within the organisation, promising to address relevant matters at the appropriate time.
The delegation to Akure will include representatives from Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states. Members of the organisation from across the world are also focusing on plans for the late leader’s funeral.
Fasoranti’s Burial Programme Announced
The organisation released the following schedule for the funeral:
- Wednesday, December 16: Christian wake-keeping service at the premises of Omolere Nursery and Primary School in the Fiwasaye area of Akure, within the late leader’s estate.
- Thursday, December 17: Funeral service at St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, followed by interment at the church cemetery.
- Sunday, December 20: Thanksgiving service at St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure.
Guests will also be received at Fasoranti’s residence following the funeral service.
Falae described the late Afenifere leader as a man whose firmness, resilience, compassion, hard work and exemplary conduct left a lasting legacy.
He said the organisation would celebrate Fasoranti’s purposeful life while mourning his departure.
Peter Obi Pays Tribute to Late Yoruba Leader
Former Anambra State governor and Nigerian Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi also expressed condolences over Fasoranti’s death.
In a tribute titled “Exit of a Titan” shared on his X account, Obi described the loss as significant for the deceased’s family, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
He praised Fasoranti’s courage, integrity and commitment to democracy and justice. Obi also extended his sympathies to the family, Afenifere and others affected by the loss.
The former governor prayed for strength for the bereaved and eternal rest for the deceased.
Obi added that Fasoranti’s dedication to principled leadership, public service and democratic ideals would continue to inspire future generations.
The tributes and funeral preparations reflect the prominent place Fasoranti held in Yoruba socio-political life and Nigeria’s democratic history.