Fasoranti’s Wisdom Still Influenced Government At 100, Aiyedatiwa Says

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, deserves to be celebrated rather than mourned, describing his life as one marked by wisdom, service and lasting contributions to society.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Aiyedatiwa made the remarks during a condolence visit to the residence of the late elder statesman, who died at the age of 100.

The governor expressed surprise at Fasoranti’s death despite his advanced age, noting that the respected Yoruba leader remained mentally alert and continued to influence government decisions until his final years.

“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 an accomplished educator whose influence extended across generations, adding that many individuals he mentored had gone on to attain prominence in different parts of the world.

Aiyedatiwa praised the late Afenifere leader for his humility, kindness, calm disposition and ability to turn ideas into practical achievements. He said Fasoranti’s life and accomplishments provided reasons for gratitude and celebration rather than sorrow alone.

“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,” the governor said.

He also observed that Fasoranti passed away peacefully, without the prolonged illness and repeated hospital visits often associated with old age. The governor prayed that members of the family and those who admired the elder statesman would continue to uphold his values and contribute positively to society.

In his response, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, expressed appreciation for the governor’s visit and said the family had decided to celebrate their father’s life and legacy.

Taiwo disclosed that his father had often spoken about a personal covenant with God to live until the age of 100. According to him, the elder statesman had repeatedly instructed family members not to cry when he eventually 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.

The SSG described his father as a devoted parent who remained actively involved in his children’s upbringing, from their elementary education through university.

He said the family would greatly miss Fasoranti’s presence and wise counsel, describing him as a man who spoke sparingly but conveyed his thoughts effectively.

Taiwo appealed to members of the public to pray for the family as they come to terms with the loss and seek to preserve the legacy of the late patriarch.

Aiyedatiwa was accompanied on the condolence visit by Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service Chief Segun Odusanya and Abiola Mankinde, who represents Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Members of the Ondo State Executive Council also joined the delegation, alongside former Deputy Governor Abdulazeez Oluboyo, traditional rulers, local government officials and Afenifere chieftains.

Fasoranti was a prominent figure in Yoruba socio-political affairs and a respected voice within Afenifere. His death at 100 has prompted tributes to his contributions to education, public life and the development of the Yoruba community.