The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere has constituted a burial committee to coordinate the funeral arrangements for its late leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.
The decision was announced at a meeting of the organisation held at the residence of the late elder statesman in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Chairman of Afenifere’s National Executive Committee, Oba Olu Falae, who presided over the meeting, said a list of 32 nominees had been submitted to the Fasoranti family for consideration.
He explained that the list was not final, as more members of the organisation would be nominated to join the committee.
Oba Falae disclosed that St David’s Anglican Church, Ijomu, Akure, where the funeral service would take place, had fixed Thursday, December 17, 2026, for the ceremony.
According to him, the family and Afenifere accepted the date because the late leader would not have supported disrupting another person’s programme to accommodate his own.
The monarch pointed out that the burial committee would comprise members of Afenifere and representatives of other groups that had previously met at Ogbo in Ogun State.
Among those nominated to serve on the committee are 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 Dr Samuel Ibikunle, Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Aluko, Dr Segun Mimiko and Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Others are 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, Chief Ayo Abereoran, 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.
Oba Falae however said the organisation did not discuss the question of succession, describing any such move as premature and inconsistent with Yoruba culture.
Meanwhile, the Fasoranti family has appealed to members of Afenifere to preserve the late leader’s legacy by promoting unity and resolving their differences.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Olori Rachael Falae described the deceased as a quiet, disciplined and trustworthy leader whose integrity shaped his public and private life.
