Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the eldest child of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said that his father had a covenant with God to die at the age of 100.
Taiwo, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), disclosed this when Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader at his residence in Akure on Tuesday night.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Pa Fasoranti died on Tuesday evening in his house in Ijapo, Akure.
The SSG said that his father had repeatedly told family members that he had a covenant with God to depart from the world upon attaining 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.
“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 said.
The SSG described his father as a devoted parent who was actively involved in the upbringing and education of his children.
He said the family would greatly miss the wise counsel of the late nationalist, whom he described as a man of few words who communicated his thoughts “quietly but effectively”.
He appreciated Aiyedatiwa for identifying with the family during this period, while appealing for prayers to enable the children to sustain their father’s legacies.
Speaking, Aiyedatiwa described the late Afenifere leader as an epitome of humility, kindness and wisdom whose contributions to governance and national development would remain indelible.
“Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa described the deceased as a great educator whose positive influence extended across generations, producing prominent personalities within and outside Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
The governor said the late nationalist lived a fulfilled life characterised by humility, kindness, wisdom and dedication to the service of humanity.
Aiyedatiwa urged the family and other Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the deceased and continue to make meaningful contributions to society. (NAN)
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