Fasoranti: State burial committee meets family, Afenifere leaders in Akure

By Tolulope Eniola

The State Burial Committee constituted by the Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for the burial of the late leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has held its inaugural meeting with the deceased’s family and the leadership of Afenifere.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the meeting, held at the Akure residence of the late elder statesman, marked the commencement of formal preparations for a befitting state burial for the national icon, who died at the age of 100.

The statement said the committee, in the absence of its chairman, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, was led on the visit by a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bakitta Bello.

The delegation was received on behalf of the family and Afenifere by the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Oba Oluyemi Falae, and the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti.

The two representatives, while welcoming the committee, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for constituting it and his determination to give the late Afenifere leader a befitting state burial in recognition of his immense contributions to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

They conveyed the appreciation of the family and Afenifere to the governor for honouring Pa Fasoranti, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the high regard in which the late nationalist is held by the government and people of Ondo State.

According to the statement, the meeting deliberated extensively on the need to involve all relevant stakeholders in the burial arrangements and harmonise the plans of the family and Afenifere with those of the state government to ensure a dignified, well-coordinated and hitch-free programme.

It also considered the constitution of various sub-committees to harmonise the interests of the different groups, institutions and associates connected with the late Pa Fasoranti, towards ensuring a burial befitting his standing as an elder statesman and national icon.

The committee assured the family and Afenifere of the state government’s commitment to working closely with them to celebrate the life and legacies of the departed leader.

The meeting was also attended by children and grandchildren of the late Pa Fasoranti.