The Ondo State Government has commenced preparations for the state burial of the late Afenifere leader and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, following a meeting between members of the burial committee, his family and leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, in Akure.
The meeting was held to initiate discussions on arrangements for the final rites of the late nationalist, who was 100 years old.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, November 2, 2026.
According to the statement, the burial committee was constituted by Governor Aiyedatiwa to coordinate arrangements for the state burial in honour of the late elder statesman.
The committee's delegation, led by a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bakitta Bello, visited Fasoranti's residence in Akure. The committee's chairman, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), was absent during the visit.
The delegation was received by the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Oba Oluyemi Falae, and the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, who represented the deceased's family and Afenifere.
During the meeting, the family and Afenifere leaders commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the decision to accord Fasoranti a state burial, describing it as recognition of his contributions to the development of Ondo State, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.
They also expressed appreciation to the state government for the honour, noting that the gesture reflected the respect and recognition the late nationalist earned during his lifetime.
The discussions focused on harmonising the burial programme proposed by the family and Afenifere with the arrangements being made by the state government.
Participants also considered the establishment of specialised committees to coordinate the participation of relevant institutions, organisations, groups and individuals in the burial ceremony.
The burial committee assured the family and Afenifere of its commitment to sustained consultations to ensure a well-coordinated ceremony that would celebrate the life, contributions and enduring legacy of the late elder statesman.
Some of Fasoranti's children and grandchildren also attended the meeting