‘Baba Passed Peacefully in His Sleep’ — Fasoranti’s Son Recounts Afenifere Leader’s Final Moments

Taiwo Fasoranti, head of the Fasoranti family and secretary to the Ondo state government, has recounted the final moments of Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, who died on Tuesday aged 100.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, announced Fasoranti’s death in a statement, describing him as a respected elder statesman committed to the development of Ondo, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Speaking during the governor’s condolence visit to the family on Tuesday, Taiwo said his father died peacefully in his room on Tuesday evening.

“Baba passed peacefully this evening around 4 p.m., in his room, in his bed,” Taiwo said.

“Baba was 100 years old. He turned 100 in May, and we were all looking forward to his 101st birthday, but God knows best.”

He said the family is grateful to God for the impactful life his father lived and the influence he had on Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba people.

“We are happy, and we thank God for his life and for the impactful life he lived,” he added.

“I don’t count it as mourning, but I count it as a time to celebrate his longevity and his influence and impact in the lives of Nigerians, especially the Yoruba people.”

The Ondo SSG said his father repeatedly told family members that he had a covenant with God to depart from the world upon attaining the age of 100.

“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,” Taiwo added.

“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 described his father as a devoted parent who was actively involved in the upbringing and education of his children.

He said the family would greatly miss the wise counsel of the late nationalist, whom he described as a man of few words who communicated his thoughts “quietly but effectively”.

He appreciated Aiyedatiwa for identifying with the family during this period, while appealing for prayers to enable the children to sustain their father’s legacies.

TINUBU, OBASANJO, ATIKU PAY TRIBUTE

President Bola Tinubu, in a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, said he received the news of Fasoranti’s death with “profound sadness”.

The president described the late Afenifere leader as “an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family”.

He recalled Fasoranti’s centenary celebration on May 11, noting that it marked not just his longevity but also a legacy of honour.

Tinubu also recalled visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency.

“Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer,” he said.

Tinubu said he had hoped Fasoranti would live to witness his second term in office and the anticipated economic growth and prosperity.

Similarly, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Fasoranti as one of the last surviving titans of a generation that laid the foundation for modern Nigeria through selfless service, sacrifice and unwavering integrity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abeokuta by Kehinde Akinyemi, his special assistant on media, Obasanjo said Fasoranti’s life exemplified purposeful leadership, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria.

“When the mantle of leading Afenifere fell upon him during a period of fragmentation and national uncertainty, Baba did not falter,” he said.

“He stepped up as a unifying anchor. He led with a calm and resolute authority that derived its strength not from loud proclamations, but from the immense moral weight of his convictions.

“On a personal note, I will always remember Baba’s warmth and his open-door policy. Even when we found ourselves on different sides of political debates, our mutual respect never waned.”

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute to the late Afenifere leader, saying his legacy towers above any title or office.

“His stature was earned through a lifetime of service, principle and sacrifice, and his legacy towers above any title or office,” Atiku said.