The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has constituted a committee to plan the funeral of its late national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.
The decision was taken on Tuesday at a meeting of the organisation’s National Executive Committee held at the residence of the deceased in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The meeting also extended condolences to the family and reaffirmed Afenifere’s commitment to preserving the values and ideals that defined the late elder statesman’s life.
The Chairman of the National Executive Committee, the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, said the committee would work with the family’s burial committee and the government committee to ensure a befitting burial for Fasoranti.
Oba Falae said the committee would comprise Afenifere members and representatives of other groups that had previously met at Ogbo in Ogun State, adding that its membership would be expanded.
The committee members include Oba Olu Falae, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Chief Supo Shonibare, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief Tola Mobulurin, Otunba Dr Samuel Ibikunle, Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Aluko and Dr Segun Mimiko.
Others are Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Dr Gbola Adetunji, Hon. Wale Oshun, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, Chief Pekun Awobona, Engr. Bayo Adenekan, Chief Lekan Alabi, Abagun Kole Omololu, Dr Akin Onigbinde, SAN, Prof. Akin Onigbinde, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Dr David Atte and Chief Ayo Abereoran.
The list also includes Hon. Lanre Omisore, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Otunba Deji Wellington, Mrs Nike Olujembola, Mrs Oluwatoyin Falade, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Arc. Goke Omigbodun and Chief Ademola Folarin.
The organisation cautioned against discussions about who would succeed Fasoranti, describing such conversations as premature and contrary to Yoruba cultural values.
According to Oba Falae, the immediate priority is to give the late leader a befitting burial, after which a credible successor would emerge to lead the organisation.
He said the meeting stressed the need for unity among the groups involved in the funeral arrangements, adding that succession discussions should not distract from efforts to honour the deceased.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Pa Fasoranti’s younger sister, Olori Rachel Falae, described him as a quiet, disciplined and trustworthy leader whose integrity earned him the respect of the people of Akure.
She said her late brother demonstrated remarkable dedication while combining his responsibilities as a local government chairman and school principal.
On the funeral arrangements, Olori Falae said the family expected representatives of Afenifere, members of the Akure community and the church to participate in the ceremonies.
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