The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has announced burial plans for its late leader and Asiwaju Yoruba, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.

The group expressed appreciation to all those commiserating with it on the transition of its leader, assuring everyone that Afenifere remained intact despite the departure of its leader.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said the Chairman of its National Executive Committee (NEC), Oba Olu Falae, in conjunction with the family, was setting up a burial committee to ensure a glorious farewell for the departed centenarian.

The statement also dismissed any issue over an alleged leadership challenge within the organisation.

It announced that Oba Falae will today lead delegates from all the eight states in Yoruba land to pay a formal visit to the family.

Today marks the eighth day after the demise of the Afenifere leader. In Yoruba cosmology, the eighth day, ‘Ojo Kejo’, is symbolic.

The statement added that Afenifere’s representatives would visit to Akure from all the state branches of the organisation — from Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, and Ondo states.

It said members of the organisation worldwide were preoccupied with how to give their leader a glorious burial.

“Our attention presently is on how to give our leader and Asiwaju Yoruba a glorious burial that he deserves. It would be a height of irresponsibility to be talking about leadership when the remains of the respected leader have not been interred. Such is very much against Yoruba principles,” the statement said.

It said that at the appropriate time, everything would be laid bare for members of the public to see.

According to the statement, details of the funeral programmes are as follows: “Christian wake-keep service will be held on Wednesday, December 16. Venue is the premises of Omolere Nursery and Primary School, which is within the late leader’s estate in Fiwasaye area of Akure.

“Funeral service will be on Thursday, December 17 at St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure.

“Interment will follow immediately at the church’s cemetery. Guests will be entertained at the leader’s residence while the Thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, December 20 at the same St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure.”

The statement said Oba Falae noted that the late Fasoranti would be sorely missed.

“He was a great man whose legacy of firmness, resilience, humaneness, hard work and exemplary deeds remains as a beacon for us.

“We are celebrating the leader’s life rather than grieving because he had lived a purposeful and fulfilling life,” Oba Falae added.

Also, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has mourned Pa Fasoranti.

Obi described Fasoranti’s death as a great loss to his family, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria, noting that the late elder statesman lived a life defined by courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to democracy and justice.

The former Anambra State governor expressed his condolences to Fasoranti’s family, Afenifere, and others mourning his passing.

In a tribute titled: “Exit of a Titan” shared on his X handle, Obi prayed to God to grant the bereaved family and associates the strength to bear the loss, while granting the deceased eternal rest.

He said Fasoranti’s legacy of principled leadership, selfless service and steadfast commitment to democratic ideals would continue to inspire generations.

Obi’s tribute added to the expressions of grief following the death of the prominent Yoruba leader, whose public life was associated with advocacy for democracy, justice and national development. (The Nation)