PANDEF Mourns Fasoranti, Hails His Integrity, Nation-Building Legacy Like That of Late Edwin Clark
By Wilson Macaulay
YENAGOA
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has mourned the passing of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, former National Leader of Afenifere, describing him as a towering statesman whose life embodied integrity, nation-building, democratic accountability and an enduring commitment to a more equitable Nigeria, much like the late Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
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Fasoranti, who died on October 20, 2026, at the age of 100, was celebrated by PANDEF for his lifelong service to Nigeria and his contributions to progressive politics, particularly his advocacy for true federalism, restructuring and responsible democratic governance.
In a condolence statement issued on October 22, 2026, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PhD, OON, expressed profound sadness over the death of the elder statesman, extending the organisation’s condolences to the Fasoranti family, Afenifere, the Akure Kingdom, Ondo State, the Yoruba nation and Nigerians across the country.
The forum described Fasoranti’s life as one defined by integrity, quiet consistency and selfless service, noting that his contributions to education and politics had earned him an enduring place in Nigeria’s history.
An accomplished educationist who taught for decades and served as a principal, Fasoranti was also a lifelong disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose progressive political philosophy significantly influenced his public life.
PANDEF noted that Fasoranti remained steadfast in advocating restructuring, democratic accountability and a political system that would promote fairness, justice and national development.
The organisation also recalled his leadership of Afenifere through periods of consensus-building and internal challenges, describing his role in sustaining the progressive ideals of the Yoruba socio-political organisation as significant.
PANDEF particularly highlighted the longstanding relationship between Fasoranti and the late Chief Edwin Clark, the revered Niger Delta leader and former national figurehead of the forum, noting that both statesmen shared a common vision of a restructured, democratic and equitable Nigeria.
According to the forum, their relationship symbolised the enduring solidarity between the South-West and South-South regions in the pursuit of national cohesion, justice, equity, resource control and the rule of law.
PANDEF recalled that through the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), a coalition comprising socio-political organisations from the South-South, South-West, South-East and Middle Belt, it enjoyed years of constructive engagement with Fasoranti and his former deputy, the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
Afenifere was a foundation member of the coalition, which brought together PANDEF, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum to advance common interests and promote a more inclusive Nigerian federation.
The forum noted that Fasoranti remained a steady and respected voice in the national conversation on true federalism, devolution of power and democratic governance.
It further recalled Fasoranti’s brotherly tribute to Clark following the latter’s death in 2025, in which the former Afenifere leader described the Niger Delta elder statesman as a tireless advocate for a restructured Nigeria and the interests of the South-South.
PANDEF said the tribute reflected the mutual respect and solidarity between the two leaders, whose commitment to national development transcended ethnic, regional and political boundaries.
The forum maintained that both men left indelible footprints in Nigeria’s struggle for a just political order, demonstrating that principled leadership, patriotism and collaboration across regional lines remain indispensable to nation-building.
It added that Fasoranti’s passing marked the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s progressive political history, particularly in the continuing quest for a democratic, inclusive and equitable nation.
PANDEF also extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, the Akure Kingdom, Ondo State and the entire Yoruba nation, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
The forum urged the family and the Yoruba nation to draw comfort from the Holy Scriptures, quoting Revelation 14:13: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… they will rest from their labour.”
PANDEF prayed for the peaceful repose of Fasoranti’s soul, expressing the hope that his legacy of integrity, public service, democratic accountability and inter-regional cooperation would continue to inspire present and future generations of Nigerians.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 23rd, 2026
