Pa Fasoranti left big shoes to fill, says son

File: National Leader of Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti

The Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, has described his late father, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as a great man whose legacy of firmness, resilience, hard work and love would be difficult to match.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of the state, Ebenezer Adeniyan on the state’s X handle on Tuesday, Taiwo stated this while receiving Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who paid a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman at his residence.

He said the family was choosing to celebrate their father’s life and legacy rather than mourn his death, noting that the centenarian had lived a fulfilled life and prepared them for his eventual departure.

“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.

According to the SSG, his father often told family members that he had a covenant with God to depart at the age of 100 and repeatedly instructed them not to cry when he eventually died.

Taiwo described the late nationalist as a devoted father who remained actively involved in his children’s lives from elementary school through university.

He said the family would miss his presence and wise counsel, describing him as a man of few words who communicated effectively without saying much.

The SSG appealed for prayers for the family as it adjusts to the loss, acknowledging the challenge of filling the vacuum left by their father.

• Nigeria has lost a patriot, Akpabio mourns Fasoranti
• 2027: Aiyedatiwa backs door-to-door campaign for Tinubu
• Afenifere leader Fasoranti dies at 100, Tinubu, Obasanjo mourn

Earlier, Governor Aiyedatiwa described Pa Fasoranti as an embodiment of humility, kindness and wisdom, noting that the late elder statesman continued to influence government decisions despite his advanced age.

“Even at that age, Baba was still influencing decisions of government. That is to tell you that he was still mentally sound,” the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa described Fasoranti as a great educator whose influence had shaped generations of people who had gone on to become prominent figures across the world.

“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 added.

The governor also praised the late nationalist’s calm disposition and ability to generate ideas and translate them into action, noting that he died peacefully without prolonged illness or repeated hospital visits.

“He slept, and that was it,” Aiyedatiwa said, while praying that the family and others would uphold the virtues the deceased embodied.

The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya; and the member representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Mankinde, alongside members of the State Executive Council.

Others present included a former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo; the Olu of Ilu Abo, Oba Olu Falae; the Iresi of Osi, Oba Samuel Olajide Okunato; the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua; and Afenifere chieftains, including Chief Femi Aluko and Chief Korede Duyile.