Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG) and eldest son of the late Afenifere national leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, disclosed that his father had a long-standing personal covenant with God to depart the earth upon reaching the age of 100.
Dr. Fasoranti made the revelation on Tuesday night, October 20, 2026, at the family residence in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a condolence visit led by the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The visit followed the passing of the elder statesman earlier that day at his home.
Addressing the delegation of state government officials and sympathisers, Dr. Fasoranti emphasised that the family was in a state of celebration rather than grief, in accordance with his father’s explicit instructions.
“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.”
Dr. Fasoranti described the patriarch as a devoted father who remained actively involved in the upbringing and moral development of his children. He noted that his father remained mentally sharp and articulate until his final moments.
“That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound. Although he was a man of few words, he communicated his thoughts quietly but effectively.”
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, speaking on behalf of the Ondo State Government during the late-night visit, paid high tribute to the late nationalist, describing him as a beacon of humility, kindness, and political wisdom whose contributions to state and national development remain indelible.
“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,” Governor Aiyedatiwa remarked, calling on the family and the public to emulate the late leader’s dedication to selfless public service.
Born in April 1926, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti was a prominent Nigerian educator, politician, and community leader. He served as the Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State between 1979 and 1983 under the Second Republic administration of Governor Adekunle Ajasin.
A key figure in the pro-democracy movement, Pa Fasoranti played a significant role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during Nigeria’s military era, standing firm against authoritarian rule.
He later assumed leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, serving as its national leader for decades and remaining an influential voice in national policy and governance until his death.
