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The eldest son of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, has revealed that his father often spoke of a covenant with God to die at the age of 100.
Taiwo, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, said the late elder statesman had repeatedly told members of his family that they should not mourn him when he eventually passed away after attaining the age.
He disclosed this on Tuesday night when Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid a condolence visit to the Fasoranti family at their residence in Akure.
According to him, the family is celebrating the life and legacy of the late Afenifere leader rather than grieving over his death, in line with what he said his father had always wanted.
“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,” Fasoranti said.
“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 his legacy.”
Son recalls father’s values
Taiwo described his late father as a devoted parent and an effective communicator who instilled the values of firmness, resilience and hard work in his family.
He said the elder statesman left behind a legacy that would continue to guide his children and others who looked up to him.
According to him, the family remains grateful for the life their patriarch lived and the values he upheld throughout his years.
The late Fasoranti was a prominent figure in Yoruba socio-political affairs and played a significant role in the activities of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.
His leadership and engagement in public affairs earned him recognition among political leaders and other stakeholders across the country.
Aiyedatiwa pays tribute
Governor Aiyedatiwa, in his remarks during the condolence visit, described the late Fasoranti as an embodiment of wisdom and selfless service whose contributions to education and governance would remain relevant.
The governor said the late elder statesman continued to influence government decisions even at an advanced age, attributing this to his mental alertness and wealth of experience.
“Even at that age, Baba was still influencing the decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He assured the family that the Ondo State Government and the nation would honour the memory of the late Afenifere leader.
The governor’s tribute highlighted Fasoranti’s enduring influence in public life and the respect he commanded among political leaders and other Nigerians.
Family celebrates his legacy
The family’s decision to celebrate the late elder statesman’s life reflects the message Taiwo said his father consistently communicated to them before his death.
Rather than focus solely on their loss, the family is drawing strength from his longevity, personal values and contributions to society.
Taiwo’s remarks also underscored the responsibility his father’s legacy places on those he left behind to sustain the principles he stood for.
For the family and admirers of the late Afenifere leader, his death marks the end of a long life of public engagement, while his influence is expected to endure through the values he imparted and the causes he championed.
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