Ondo govt appoints committee for Fasoranti’s burial

The Ondo State Government has set up a committee to coordinate the state burial of Reuben Fasoranti, the late leader of Afenifere, who died at the age of 100.

The committee, chaired by Kayode Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is expected to work with the deceased’s family and the leadership of Afenifere to organise a befitting burial for the elder statesman.

Announcing the committee’s constitution in a statement on Thursday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the state government approved the burial in recognition of Mr Fasoranti’s contributions to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Eniola Olushola is to serve as the secretary of the committee.

Other members are Gbenga Fasua, Gbenga Atiba, Kosemani Kolawole, Bakkita Bello, Idowu Otetubi, Modupe Martins, George Asonja, Muyiwa Ogunyemi, Stephen Abitogun and Adetunji Gbenga.

According to the statement, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa believes the late Afenifere leader deserves to be honoured for his years of service, wisdom and selfless leadership.

The family of the deceased already set 17 December for his funeral service and interment.  

The committee is expected to coordinate the necessary arrangements in consultation with the family and Afenifere leadership to ensure a dignified farewell for the late nationalist.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the burial reflects Mr Fasoranti’s contributions to society.

Although the state did not announce a date or detailed programme for the burial.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate considered the motion sponsored by Adeniyi Adegbonmire, a senator representing Ondo Central to urge the federal government to name an educational  institution after Mr Fasoranti in recognition of his contributions to education and national development.

Mr Fasoranti died on 20 October, aged 100.

Born on 11 May 1926 in Uso, in present-day Ondo State, Mr Fasoranti built a career as an educationist before becoming a prominent figure in progressive politics and the struggle for democracy.

His political career was closely associated with the late Obafemi Awolowo, whose progressive political tradition shaped his involvement in the defunct Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.

Between 1979 and 1983, Mr Fasoranti served as commissioner for finance in the government of the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State.

He subsequently became one of the leading figures in Afenifere, a socio-political organisation rooted in the progressive political tradition associated with Awolowo.

Annoucing the elderstateman’s passing on 20 October, Governor Aiyedatiwa described him as a patriarch whose life was defined by service to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire State over this great loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” the governor said.