Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the eldest son of late Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has revealed that his father often told the family he had a covenant with God to die at the age of 100.
Taiwo, who serves as the Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), made the disclosure on Tuesday night when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa visited the family to offer condolences at their residence in Akure.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Pa Fasoranti died on Tuesday evening at his residence in Ijapo, Akure, at the age of 100.
According to the SSG, his father repeatedly told family members that he would depart the world upon attaining the age of 100 and instructed them not to mourn his death.
“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.
Taiwo described his father as a committed parent who took an active role in raising and educating his children.
He added that the family would deeply miss the late nationalist’s wisdom and guidance, describing him as a man of few words who communicated “quietly but effectively”.
The SSG thanked Aiyedatiwa for standing with the family during the difficult period and appealed for prayers to help the children preserve their father’s legacy.
Speaking during the visit, Aiyedatiwa described the late Afenifere leader as a symbol of humility, kindness and wisdom whose contributions to governance and national development would remain unforgettable.
“Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,” he said.
The governor also praised Fasoranti as an accomplished educationist whose influence spanned generations, with many of those he inspired becoming prominent figures 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,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said the deceased lived a fulfilled life marked by humility, kindness, wisdom and dedication to serving humanity.
He urged the bereaved family and Nigerians at large to uphold the values Fasoranti represented and continue contributing positively to society.