Fasoranti, Like Late Edwin Clark, Remained Unwavering Voice for Restructuring, True Federalism Until His Demise — PANDEF

YENAGOA — The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has described the late Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti as an unwavering advocate of restructuring, true federalism and devolution of power, saying his lifelong commitment to democratic accountability strengthened Nigeria's progressive political movement until his demise.

The forum said Fasoranti, who died on October 20, 2026, at the age of 100, consistently championed a governance structure capable of promoting justice, equity, national cohesion and balanced development across the country.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PhD, OON, PANDEF expressed profound sadness over the passing of the former National Leader of Afenifere, describing his death as a major loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.

The Niger Delta socio-political organisation noted that Fasoranti's political convictions were shaped by his lifelong commitment to the progressive ideals of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose political philosophy emphasised social justice, democratic governance, federalism and human development.

PANDEF observed that, like the late Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Fasoranti remained committed to the pursuit of a more equitable Nigerian federation, where the interests of the country's diverse ethnic nationalities would receive adequate constitutional recognition.

The forum said both elder statesmen made significant contributions to national discourse through their respective regional platforms, advocating political arrangements that would promote fairness, accountability and a more balanced distribution of power.

It noted that Fasoranti remained steadfast in his convictions throughout his public life, including periods of internal disagreement and consensus-building within Afenifere, demonstrating his commitment to the progressive ideals he represented.

PANDEF particularly highlighted his contribution to the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, which brought together socio-political organisations from the South-South, South-West, South-East and Middle Belt to deliberate on issues affecting Nigeria's political structure and national development.

The coalition, comprising PANDEF, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum, provided a platform for dialogue, cooperation and the articulation of shared concerns about governance, constitutional reform and national cohesion.

According to PANDEF, Fasoranti's participation in the alliance demonstrated his willingness to build bridges across regional boundaries in pursuit of a fairer and more democratic federation.

The organisation stressed that his advocacy for restructuring and devolution of power remained relevant to ongoing national conversations about constitutional arrangements, resource allocation, fiscal federalism and the responsibilities of the various tiers of government.

It maintained that Nigeria's quest for sustainable peace, unity and development required a governance structure that would promote fairness, strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that the country's diverse communities had a meaningful stake in national affairs.

PANDEF further noted that Fasoranti's life offered an example of how principled leadership, intellectual conviction and sustained public service could contribute to the search for lasting solutions to Nigeria's political and developmental challenges.

The forum urged political leaders and the younger generation to draw lessons from the late elder statesman's commitment to justice, equity, democratic accountability and national development.

It extended its condolences to the bereaved family, Afenifere, the Akure Kingdom, Ondo State and the entire Yoruba nation, expressing solidarity with all those mourning the departed statesman.

PANDEF prayed for the peaceful repose of Fasoranti's soul, describing his legacy as a lasting contribution to Nigeria's struggle for a more inclusive, equitable and democratically accountable society.