Sultan of Sokoto mourns Pa Reuben Fasoranti, describes his passing as a great loss to Nigeria
By KEMI KASUMU
The Sultan describes the death of the centenarian, who breathed his last on Tuesday October 20, 2026 at the age of 100, as a loss, not only to his immediate family and the Yoruba nation but also to Nigeria, where his life of service, leadership and commitment to the wellbeing of the people earned him respect across ethnic, religious and political divides.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has expressed his condolences over the passing of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the revered leader of the pan-Yoruba organisation, Afenifere.
This was contained in a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto on Tuesday October 20, 2026.
According to the statement, “The Sultan describes the death of the centenarian, who breathed his last on Tuesday October 20, 2026 at the age of 100, as a loss, not only to his immediate family and the Yoruba nation but also to Nigeria, where his life of service, leadership and commitment to the wellbeing of the people earned him respect across ethnic, religious and political divides.
“His Eminence acknowledges the late Pa Fasoranti’s contributions to national development and his place among the respected voices whose wisdom and experience remained valuable to conversations about Nigeria’s unity, peace, democracy and progress.
“The Sultan notes that the passing of an elder statesman of Pa Fasoranti’s standing is a reminder of the importance of preserving the values of mutual respect, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national solidarity, which remain essential to the building of a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“He extends his heartfelt condolences to the Fasoranti family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, the government and people of Ondo State, and the entire Yoruba nation over this painful loss.
“His Eminence prays that Almighty God grants the deceased eternal rest, comforts his family and associates, and gives all those mourning his passing the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“May Almighty God grant the family of Pa Reuben Fasoranti the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Nigeria the wisdom to preserve the legacy of its respected elders. Amin,” he prayed according to the statement.
