The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has formed a committee to coordinate burial arrangements for its late leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died at 100.

The organisation’s National Executive Committee, chaired by Oba Olu Falae, took the decision on Tuesday at a meeting at the deceased’s residence in Akure, Ondo State.

The meeting also delivered a condolence message to the bereaved family and reaffirmed Afenifere’s commitment to preserving the values and ideals that defined the late elder statesman’s life.

The family had announced December 17, 2026, for the funeral service and interment.

Falae said the burial committee would work with family and government committees to organise a befitting burial for the late Yoruba leader.

He added that the committee would comprise Afenifere members and representatives of other groups that had previously met at Ogbo in Ogun State.

The committee includes Oba Samuel Falae, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Chief Supo Shonibare, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Tola Mobulurin, Otunba Samuel Ibikunle, Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Aluko, and former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

Others are former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, Dr Gbola Adetunji, Wale Oshun, Iyiola Omisore, Chief Pekun Awobona, Bayo Adenekan, Chief Lekan Alabi, Abagun Kole Omololu, Akin Onigbinde (SAN), Professor Akin Onigbinde, Dare Babarinsa, David Atte, Ayo Abereoran, Lanre Omisore, Sola Ebiseni, Deji Wellington, Nike Olujembola, Oluwatoyin Falade, Jare Ajayi, Goke Omigbodun and Ademola Folarin.

Falae said the committee would expand its membership, stressing the need for cooperation among the various groups involved in the burial arrangements.

The meeting also cautioned against discussions about who would succeed Fasoranti as Afenifere leader, describing such conversations as premature and inconsistent with Yoruba cultural values.

According to Falae, the immediate priority is to give the late leader a befitting burial before considering a credible successor.

“It is contrary to Yoruba culture to begin talking about who will succeed a leader before he is buried,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Olori Rachael Falae described the deceased as a quiet, disciplined and trustworthy leader whose integrity earned him respect in Akure and beyond.

She recalled his dedication to public service, saying he effectively combined his responsibilities as a local government chairman and school principal.

According to her, his tenure as council chairman 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 the NEPA roundabout to the St Thomas’s area.

Olori Falae said the late elder statesman remained committed to his convictions despite challenges.

“Papa (Falae) was a very quiet person and highly disciplined, and this discipline he carried even into his political life. He was a leader people could trust.

“Once he was convinced about anything, he would go to any length to make sure that he stood by his conviction. So we all loved him,” she added.

She said Fasoranti was widely regarded as a trusted community figure, noting that residents often brought difficult matters to his residence for resolution.

She recalled that after his death was announced, the Deji of Akure expressed concern about finding another leader of his calibre.

Olori Falae urged Afenifere members to preserve the deceased’s legacy by embracing unity and resolving their differences in the interest of 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 the organisation must consider the future and demonstrate unity for the benefit of younger generations.

“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 funeral programme, Olori Falae said family members, members of the Afenifere group, community representatives, and the church would help with the arrangements.

She said the Anglican Church and state governors would also be involved, adding that the governors would determine their respective roles.

According to her, activities leading to the funeral would begin around Monday, December 14, with tributes from different groups scheduled for designated days before the burial on December 17. (The Nation)