Pa Fasoranti Had Covenant With God to Die at 100, Son Reveals

Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the eldest son of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has revealed that his father often spoke of a covenant with God to die at the age of 100.

Taiwo, who serves as the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, made the disclosure on Tuesday night when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa paid a condolence visit to the family at the deceased’s residence in Akure.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Pa Fasoranti died at his home in Ijapo, Akure, on Tuesday evening.

According to Taiwo, his father repeatedly told family members that he believed he would depart this world upon attaining the age of 100. He added that the late elder had instructed them not to mourn his death but to celebrate his life.

“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,” he said.

“We are not mourning, Baba; we are rejoicing.”

The SSG described his father as a man who had left behind a significant legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love. He also recalled the late nationalist as a devoted parent who took an active interest in the upbringing and education of his children.

Taiwo said the family would deeply miss his father’s wisdom and counsel, describing him as a man of few words who communicated his thoughts quietly but effectively. He thanked Aiyedatiwa for visiting the family and appealed to Nigerians to pray for the children as they strive to uphold their father’s legacy.

Speaking during the visit, Aiyedatiwa described the late Afenifere leader as an embodiment of humility, kindness and wisdom, whose contributions to governance and national development would remain significant.

The governor noted that Pa Fasoranti continued to influence government decisions even at an advanced age, which he said demonstrated his mental alertness and enduring relevance to public affairs.

“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 further described the deceased as a distinguished educator whose influence extended across generations, producing prominent individuals both within and outside Nigeria.

Aiyedatiwa urged the family and Nigerians at large to celebrate Pa Fasoranti’s life by emulating his virtues and continuing to contribute meaningfully to society.

He said the late nationalist had lived a fulfilled life marked by humility, kindness, wisdom and dedication to the service of humanity.