The eldest son of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, has revealed that his father repeatedly told the family he had a covenant with God to die at the age of 100.
Taiwo, who is the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, disclosed this on Tuesday night when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa visited the family to offer his condolences at the deceased’s residence in Akure.
The elder statesman died on Tuesday evening at his home in Ijapo, Akure, having attained the age of 100.
According to Taiwo, his father had consistently told family members that he would depart from the world upon reaching the age of 100 and urged them not to mourn him when that time came.
“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,” he said.
Taiwo said the family was grateful for the legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love the late nationalist left behind, adding that his father had set a high standard for them to uphold.
“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.
He described the deceased as a devoted father who took an active interest in his children’s upbringing and education. He added that the family would miss his wise counsel and quiet but effective way of communicating his thoughts.
The SSG thanked Aiyedatiwa for identifying with the family and appealed for prayers to help them preserve their father’s legacy.
In his remarks, the governor described Fasoranti as an embodiment 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,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He also praised the late Afenifere leader as a great educator whose influence extended across generations, producing prominent personalities in Nigeria and beyond.
“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.
Aiyedatiwa urged the family and Nigerians to emulate the deceased’s virtues and continue to contribute meaningfully to society.
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