Ondo sets up committee for Fasoranti’s state burial

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Government has constituted a 13-member committee to organise a state burial for the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, in recognition of his contributions to the state and Nigeria.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026. He said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had approved the committee to coordinate the burial arrangements for the elder statesman, who died at the age of 100.

The committee is chaired by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, while Apostle Eniola Olushola will serve as secretary.

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

According to the statement, the committee is expected to work closely with the Fasoranti family and the leadership of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, to coordinate a befitting burial for the late nationalist.

“The committee is mandated to work closely with the Fasoranti family and the leadership of Afenifere to organise a dignified and befitting burial programme for the departed national icon,” the statement said.

Aiyedatiwa said the state government considered it important to honour Fasoranti for his contributions to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria. He added that the elder statesman’s life of service, wisdom and selflessness deserved recognition beyond his lifetime.

“Pa Fasoranti deserves to be celebrated even in death for his life of service, wisdom and selfless leadership,” the governor said.