Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the eldest son of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has revealed that his father repeatedly told family members he had a covenant with God to die at the age of 100.
Taiwo, who serves as the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, disclosed this on Tuesday night when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa visited the family to offer his condolences at their residence in Akure, Ondo State.
Pa Reuben Fasoranti, a prominent elder statesman and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, died at his residence in Ijapo, Akure, on Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026. He was 100 years old.
According to his son, the late nationalist had consistently told his family that he would depart this world upon attaining the age of 100 and had 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,” Taiwo said.
He explained that the family was choosing to celebrate the life their patriarch lived rather than focus solely on the pain of his passing.
“We are not mourning Baba, we are rejoicing,” he said, reflecting the family’s resolve to honour the late elder statesman’s life and legacy.
Taiwo described his father as a devoted parent who took an active interest in the upbringing and education of his children. He added that the family would deeply miss the counsel of a man whose quiet manner of communicating his thoughts often carried considerable weight.
He also appealed for prayers to help the family preserve and sustain the values the deceased left behind, including firmness, resilience, hard work and love.
During the condolence visit, Governor Aiyedatiwa described Pa Fasoranti as an embodiment of humility, kindness and wisdom whose contributions to governance and national development would remain significant.
The governor noted that the elder statesman continued to influence discussions and decisions concerning governance even at an advanced age, describing him as mentally alert and committed to the welfare of society.
Pa Fasoranti’s life spanned a century of major political and social changes in Nigeria. He served as an educationist, school administrator and Ondo State Commissioner for Finance during the Second Republic. He was also associated with pro-democracy efforts during military rule and remained an influential voice on governance, federalism and political accountability.
His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of Afenifere and Nigeria’s progressive political movement. His family has now called on Nigerians to remember him for his values, public service and enduring commitment to the development of his community and country.