Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the Secretary to the [Ondo State Government](https://www.ondostate.gov.ng/), announced that his late father, the veteran nationalist and former head of [Afenifere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afenifere), Pa Reuben Fasoranti, had made a covenant with God to depart this life at the age of one hundred. The statement was made on Tuesday night after Governor [Lucky Aiyedatiwa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_Aiyedatiwa) paid a condolence visit to the family at their residence in Akure.
**Key details**
- Pa Fasoranti died on Tuesday evening at his home in Ijapo, Akure, at the age of 100.
- He repeatedly told relatives that his agreement with God stipulated that he would leave the world once he reached the centennial mark.
- Taiwo quoted his father’s last wish: “When I die, do not weep; celebrate the legacy I leave behind.”
- The governor described the late leader as a “living example of humility, kindness and wisdom” who remained mentally sharp even in his final years.
**What did the son say?**
Taiwo explained that his father had often reminded the family of the covenant, adding, “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 emphasized that the family was not mourning but rejoicing, noting the “big pair of shoes” left for them to fill and praising his father’s “firmness, resilience, hard work and love.”
**How did the governor respond?**
Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the late nationalist as an “epitome of humility, kindness and wisdom” whose influence on governance and national development would endure. He highlighted that even at a hundred, Fasoranti was still shaping government decisions, underscoring his mental acuity. The governor urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the departed and continue contributing positively to society.
**Family reflections**
The son described his father as a devoted parent deeply involved in his children’s upbringing and education. He recalled Fasoranti as a man of few words who communicated “quietly but effectively,” and expressed gratitude for the governor’s support, asking for prayers to help the children uphold their father’s legacy.
**Legacy**
Both Taiwo and Governor Aiyedatiwa agreed that the late leader’s life was a testament to service, humility, and dedication to humanity. They called for a celebration of his achievements rather than mourning, encouraging the public to thank God for a life well‑lived.