The national leader of the Pan Yoruba social-political organisation, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, is dead.

The revered elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain passed away at the age of 100, which he celebrated May 11, 2026.

Born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, Pa Fasoranti was one of the major twines holding together the Yoruba nation and a bridge linking the politics of the First Republic to the present democratic order in the South West and in the country.

His political trajectory was rooted in progressivism and Yoruba ideals, having imbibed the political philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo through th Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.

During the Second Republic, he served as Commissioner of Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983. He later rose to become the leader of Afenifere following the death of Chief Abraham Adesanya, his predecessor.

A foremost Yoruba leader, Pa Fasoranti was one of the NADECO leaders whom the regime of the late General Sani Abacha attempted to assassinate in 1996.

He is regarded as symbol of the never-dying spirit of resistance against forces of tyranny and oppression with his politics never about himself but the advancement of his people, philosophy upheld by his resilience in the face of visible danger and personal losses, including the killing of his daughter by herders on the Benin-Ore road some years ago.

A teacher by training, he attended Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College in Lagos, and the University College, Ibadan, where he bagged a higher degree in English/Geography.

He taught at his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, and later served as Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School and Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School. His dedication to education persisted after retirement, as evidenced by his establishment of Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School.

“His counsel, fatherly guidance and principled stand on issues of justice and good governance will be sorely missed. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints of honour and legacy for generations to come,” the Governor stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the late patriarch as a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

He said, “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire State over this great loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Until his death, Pa Fasoranti remained a towering figure in Yoruba politics and a strong advocate for the unity of the Yoruba people, the supremacy of Yoruba ideals and the betterment of the lot of his people.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren, as well as a legacy of service, integrity and leadership.

The Guardian

A former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is dead.

The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has commended Globacom for its unwavering commitment to the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, noting that the telecommunications company’s sustained support has helped transform the Ofala Festival into a world-renowned cultural celebration.

Speaking on the 2026 edition of the festival, held at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, the monarch paid a glowing tribute to Globacom for its longstanding role as the principal sponsor of the festival, a partnership that has spanned fifteen consecutive years since 2011.

According to the monarch, “Their partnership has transformed the festival from a palace ritual to a world-renowned cultural festival owes a great deal to purposeful partnership. Since 2011, Globacom has stood with us as our principal partner – now fifteen consecutive years of unwavering commitment.” He added that “In good times and challenging times, Globacom has helped us preserve the authenticity of Ofala while enhancing its presentation, documentation, broadcast and global reach. They have helped take a living heritage to the global stage”.

Igwe Achebe also applauded the vision of Globacom’s Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr., whose commitment to cultural preservation, he noted, reflects a profound appreciation of the role of indigenous traditions in strengthening national identity and social cohesion.

“I thank Globacom and its Chairman, Otunba (Dr) Mike Adenuga Jr., GCON, a true man of culture, for his vision and belief that culture is not a luxury but a foundation for unity,” the monarch said.

Commenting on the theme of this year’s festival, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru” — Strive and Advance — Igwe Achebe described it as a compelling call to diligence, excellence, self-improvement and collective progress. He explained that the theme embodied the enduring spirit of the forebears who built the Onitsha kingdom on the banks of the Niger, while challenging younger generations to preserve that legacy through enterprise, purposeful endeavour and a commitment to progress.

In his goodwill message to the monarch and the people of Onitsha, Dr Adenuga described Globacom’s association with the Ofala Festival “since 2011 has been much more than a corporate partnership. It has been a relationship which we cherish deeply and regard as a privilege”. He expressed profound appreciation to Igwe Achebe for the opportunity afforded Globacom to contribute to the preservation, celebration and wider projection of the community’s priceless cultural heritage.

He noted that the annual festival provides a valuable platform for showcasing the rich cultural traditions, dignity and enduring values of the Onitsha people to audiences across Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.

Through its longstanding partnership with Ofala, Globacom continues to demonstrate that corporate citizenship extends beyond commercial enterprise to the preservation of the cultural foundations that give communities their identity, strengthen their unity and connect generations.