Pa Fasoranti's family says he saw 100 as a promise from God, as Ondo governor visits
- Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader, died on Tuesday evening at his home in Ijapo, Akure.
- His eldest son, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said his father often told the family he had a covenant with God to die at 100.
- Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid a condolence visit and said the late leader remained mentally sharp to the end.
The family of the late Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti has said he saw reaching 100 as a promise he had made with God, and asked Nigerians to share in thanksgiving rather than mourning.
Pa Fasoranti died on Tuesday evening at his home in Ijapo, Akure, Ondo State. He marked his 100th birthday earlier this year.
His eldest child, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, who is Secretary to the Ondo State Government, spoke on Tuesday night when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa visited the family house in Akure to condole with them.
According to him, his father often reminded the family that he would leave this world once he clocked 100, and told them not to weep when the time came.
"We are not mourning Baba. We are rejoicing," he said.
He said the family was left with a big pair of shoes to step into, and thanked God for the legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love his father left behind.
Taiwo described his father as a hands-on parent who took active interest in the upbringing and education of his children. He said the family would miss his wise counsel, noting that the late nationalist spoke little but made his points clearly.
He thanked the governor for standing with the family and asked for prayers so that the children can carry on their father's legacies.
What the governor said
Governor Aiyedatiwa described Pa Fasoranti as a humble, kind and wise man whose impact on governance and national development would not be forgotten.
He said the late leader was still shaping government decisions at his age, which showed his mind remained sharp.
The governor also called him a great educator whose influence reached generations of prominent people within and outside Nigeria.
"We cannot but celebrate his life and times," Aiyedatiwa said.
He urged the family and other Nigerians to copy the late leader's virtues and keep contributing to society.
What happens next
The sources did not give details of burial arrangements. For now, the family and the Ondo State Government are receiving condolence visits, and the governor has asked Nigerians to pray for the children as they take up their father's work.
