Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, the elder son of the late Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, foremost leader of the Pan-Yoruba social-political organisation Afenifere, has disclosed that his father died ‘peacefully in his room, on his bed’ on Tuesday.

Taiwo, who is also the Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), disclosed that his father died at about 4 PM at his residence along Ijapo Road in Akure.

He spoke to The Nation on Tuesday, revealing that the family had been looking forward to celebrating the elder statesman’s 101st birthday before his death.

The elder son described his father’s life as impactful, saying his passing should not be seen only as a period of ‘mourning’ but also as an opportunity to celebrate his longevity, wisdom, and contributions to society.

“We are happy; we thank God for his life and for the impactful life he lived. I don’t count it as mourning, but as a time to celebrate his longevity and his influence and impact on the lives of Nigerians, especially the Yoruba people,” he told our Correspondent in Akure.

Reflecting on the personal loss, Taiwo described his father as a man of few words but profound wisdom, whose calm disposition and firm principles shaped his relationship with family members.

He said he would miss most the daily conversations with his father, especially his habit of waiting up for him whenever he returned from work, no matter how late.

“What will I miss about him? I think his dominion, even in the face of adversities; he was a man of few words, full of wisdom. I thank God that in the last couple of years, I have been able to see that and enjoy one-on-one conversations with him,” Taiwo said.

According to him, his day usually began with seeing his father in the morning and ended with another meeting when he returned from work.

He described the late Afenifere leader as a firm and disciplined father who communicated his expectations without threats or raised voices.

“He was very affirmative, very stern, but passed on his messages with little or no threat. He would speak in a low voice, but his message carried weight. I think we will miss that in this family,” Taiwo added.

He urged Nigerians, particularly those who knew his father, to celebrate his legacy by embracing education, selflessness, community service and a commitment to helping others.

Taiwo said his father remained passionate about education until his final days, noting that he continued to visit one of his schools just weeks before his death.

“Baba (Pa Fasoranti) was an educationist to the core. He was a leader who wanted people to give back to the community they served. He was a selfless person,” he said.

He encouraged admirers, friends, family members, and colleagues of the late elder statesman to support the education of disadvantaged children as a practical way to preserve his legacy.

“Baba believed that you must be educated. Education is key to him. Those of us who met him, his friends, family members, colleagues and admirers, should look for a child, educate that child and sow into the lives of those people.

“Make sure people are educated. And also be a community person. Give back to your community. That’s what I would tell them,” he added.

The SSG also said the family would sustain the scholarship programme established through a foundation in honour of the elder statesman.

According to him, the foundation has quietly supported numerous children through scholarships at secondary and university levels across the country.

He assured that the family would continue to strengthen the initiative so more young people benefit from the late patriarch’s enduring commitment to education.

“The foundation will continue to do that. We, the children, will make sure we continue to allow that to flourish in the memory of Baba,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pa Fasoranti’s residence has begun to take on a sorrowful look following the death of the elder statesman. (The Nation, excluding headline)