Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has visited the Akure home of the late national leader of Afenifere Pa Reuben Fasoranti to condole his wife and the family.
The governor described the late Pa Reuben Fasoranti as an epitome of humility, kindness and wisdom, saying the elder statesman continued to influence government decisions even at an advanced age.
Aiyedatiwa, recalled that on the eve of Fasoranti’s 100th birthday, the late leader insisted that the celebration should hold at his residence rather than the Dome of the Olusegun Mimiko International Conference and Event Centre, where such events were usually held.
The governor said he visited the residence that night to inspect preparations for the celebration, which the Vice-President was expected to attend on behalf of the President.
He said Fasoranti prayed for him and reminded him of a request he wanted him to fulfil, which he declined to disclose.
“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 described Fasoranti as a great educator whose impact extended across generations, noting that many people whose lives he shaped had become prominent men and women across the globe.
“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.
He added that Fasoranti’s death was peaceful, without the prolonged suffering associated with illness and repeated hospital visits.
“He slept, and that was it,” he said, praying that those left behind would imbibe the late leader’s virtues and make meaningful contributions to society.
Aiyedatiwa also recalled Fasoranti’s support during his political challenges as an embattled deputy governor, saying the elder statesman wrote to the highest authority in the country and intervened on his behalf.
“Baba has been a blessing. Baba Sun re o,” he said, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said the family was grateful for the governor’s visit and would celebrate their father’s life rather than mourn his death.
He said the late elder statesman often told the family that he had a covenant with God to depart whenever he reached 100, and repeatedly instructed them not to cry when he died.
“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 devoted parent who remained involved in his children’s lives from elementary school through university.
He recalled that Fasoranti often visited him unannounced in Ife while he was a medical student, adding that the late patriarch extended the same attention to his grandchildren.
The SSG said the family would miss his presence and wise counsel, describing him as a man of few words who communicated his message quietly but effectively.
He also recalled that his father continued to raise his children in the family residence even while serving as Commissioner for Finance, rather than moving into government quarters.
Describing Fasoranti as a man who was not known for amassing wealth, Taiwo prayed that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would uphold his virtue.
