Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa signing the condolence register at Fasoranti’s Akure residence…on Tuesday
By Banji Ayoola
Ondo State is celebrating an exemplary life dedicated to selfless service rather than mourning the passage of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, according to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The Governor declared this during his condolence visit to Fasoranti’s residence in Akure on Tuesday.
Fasoranti, who was also a prominent community leader and one of the most intimate advisers to the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, a most respected voice in the Akure Anglican church community, was the Commissioner for Finance in the Second Republic administration of Chief Michael Adekumle Ajasin.
The then Ondo State, now bifurcated into Ondo and Ekiti, made landmark investments establishing many industries across the state cutting across all sectors of the economy, including Oluwa Glass, Okitipupa Oil Mill, and Confidence Insurance among many others.
He was the father of the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti.
Aiyedatiwa, who described the disciplined life of the fiercely principled, and dogged fighter Fasoranti as exemplary, said he deserved the best honours that could be accorded any elder statesman of his superlative status anywhere in the world.
He said, “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.”
Aiyedatiwa further described the departed Afenifere Leader as an epitome of humility, kindness and wisdom, who continued to positively influence government decisions even at an advanced age.
Fasoranti passed away at 4 pm on Tuesday five months after he marked his 100th birthday.
“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
The governor described the deceased as a man of humility, kindness and calmness, with the knowledge and inner strength to generate and execute ideas.
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.
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 his departed father 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.
He described his father as a devoted parent who remained involved in his children’s lives from elementary school through university.
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 appealed for prayers for the family as it adjusts to the loss, acknowledging the challenge of filling the vacuum left by their father.
The Governor was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya; Member representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Mankinde and members of the State Executive Council.
Also present at the residence during the visit were former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo; the Olu of Ilu Abo, Oba Olu Falae; rhe Iresi of Osi, Oba Samuel Olajide Okunato; Chairman, Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua and Afenifere chieftains, including Chief Femi Aluko and Chief Korede Duyile.
