Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the eldest son of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has revealed that his father had always believed he would leave the world after attaining the age of 100.
Taiwo, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, made the disclosure on Tuesday night when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa visited the family residence in Akure to offer his condolences following the death of the elder statesman.
Pa Reuben Fasoranti died on Tuesday evening at his residence in Ijapo, Akure.
According to his son, the late nationalist had spoken several times about a personal covenant he believed he had with God concerning the time of his death. He said his father repeatedly told members of the family that he would depart once he reached the age of 100.
“Baba often told us that he had a covenant with God that whenever he got to 100, he would go. He repeatedly told us that when he died, we should not cry.
“We are not mourning, Baba; we are rejoicing,” Taiwo said.
He acknowledged that his father had left the family with a huge responsibility to uphold the values and principles he stood for throughout his life.
“Baba has left us a big pair of shoes to step into, but we can only thank God for the legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love that he left us with,” he added.
The SSG described his late father as a deeply devoted parent who took an active interest in the upbringing and education of his children.
He said the family would particularly miss the counsel of the former Afenifere leader, whom he described as a quiet but effective communicator who did not need many words to make his position known.
Taiwo also expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for visiting the family and identifying with them at the difficult moment. He appealed for continued prayers for the family as they work to preserve and build on the legacy left behind by their father.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Aiyedatiwa described Pa Fasoranti as a man whose life was defined by humility, kindness, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to public service.
The governor noted that despite his advanced age, the late elder statesman remained mentally alert and continued to have an influence on matters of governance.
“Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He also described the deceased as a remarkable educator whose influence went beyond his immediate family and community, noting that his impact could be seen in the lives of prominent individuals in Nigeria and beyond.
Aiyedatiwa said the passing of the Afenifere leader should also be viewed as an opportunity to celebrate a life that made a lasting contribution to society.
“We cannot but celebrate his life and times. We are not mourning. We are just celebrating and thanking God for a life that was well lived,” the governor said.
He urged members of the Fasoranti family, as well as Nigerians generally, to uphold the virtues for which the late nationalist was known and to continue contributing positively to the development of society.
Pa Reuben Fasoranti was widely regarded as one of the prominent elder statesmen in the South-West, with decades of involvement in public affairs, education and the advocacy of good governance.
