Fasoranti never remarried after his wife’s death, he refused the job of raising children – Son

Daud Olatunji

The late Afenifere national leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, rejected a government appointment in 1999 to focus on raising his children after the death of his wife, according to his son, Taiwo Fasoranti.

Taiwo, secretary to the Ondo state government, said his father rejected the offer because he feared the demands of public office would deprive his children of the parental guidance and stability they needed after losing their mother.

The elder statesman, who lost his wife in 1991, also never remarried, insisting that no woman could replace her, according to the SSG.

The revelations offer an insight into the family life, personal sacrifices and guiding principles of the late Yoruba leader, who dedicated much of his life to education, community development and political activism.

Speaking in an interview with New Telegraph, excerpted from PLATFORM TIMES, Taiwo said his father understood the responsibilities that came with public office, but chose to put the well-being of his children before political opportunities during a difficult period in their lives.

“My mother had just died and he felt that with that kind of responsibility you need stability in the home.

“If they took on this kind of responsibility, his children would suffer. There would be no parental figure to make sure they do what they are supposed to do,” he recalled his father’s words.

Taiwo said Fasoranti politely declined the nomination, prioritizing his responsibility as a father over the opportunity to serve in government.

His account highlights a personal dimension of the late Afenifere leader’s life, portraying a man who, despite his political influence, viewed his children’s education as a responsibility he could not afford to compromise.

SSG also revealed that his father remained devoted to his late wife after her death, refusing to remarry due to the bond they shared during their marriage.

According to him, the relationship between his parents was characterized by affection, mutual understanding and respect, with disagreements resolved privately without involving the children.

She said her father’s decision not to remarry reflects the depth of his commitment to his wife.

Fasoranti’s family life, Taiwo explained, was guided by discipline, consistency and a strong sense of responsibility, values ​​that also shaped his children’s education.

SSG described her father as a caring but firm parent who took a personal interest in his children’s education and well-being.

He recalled that the late elder statesman regularly visited them in school and even went to the University of Ife, where he studied medicine, to check on him.

“He was a disciplinarian, but he wasn’t a bully. He was a disciplinarian. He would stand his ground. He would tell you what he wanted and he would stand by it,” Taiwo said.

He added that he didn’t remember his father physically punishing any of his children, explaining that Fasoranti relied on words, personal example and stern looks to communicate his expectations.

According to him, the family always understood when the father approved or disapproved of their conduct.

Beyond his family responsibilities, Fasoranti constantly advised his children to establish themselves in their chosen professions before venturing into politics.

Taiwo said his father believed politics should be approached as an avenue for public service and community development rather than a career that people depended on for their livelihood.

The late statesman, who began his teaching career in 1955, argued that professional competence and personal fulfillment were important foundations for anyone aspiring to hold public office.

According to the SSG, his father insisted that he complete his medical training, become a consultant and practice medicine for several years before returning home to participate in politics.

“Keep your profession. Politics is not a profession. That’s why you see I entered politics a little late,” Taiwo quoted his father as saying.

He said the advice influenced his career path, adding that he still occasionally deals with long-term patients despite his responsibilities as an Ondo SSG.

“The lesson for all of us is that choose your profession, stick with it and fulfillment will come,” he said.

Taiwo explained that his father’s entry into politics was motivated by a desire to contribute to the development of his community and advance the interests of the Yoruba people.

Fasoranti was previously the Chairman of Akure Local Government and Chairman of Akure Community Development before emerging as one of the most influential figures in Yoruba socio-political affairs.

However, his involvement in politics also had personal costs.

The SSG recalled that her father spent two years in detention without conviction after the military took power.

He said the experience exposed the late politician to the dangers associated with political activism and the sacrifices public service might require.

“He had his regrets. The ups and downs, I mean when you have to sacrifice your freedom, going to prison after the army took over for two years without any conviction,” Taiwo said.

He, however, stressed that his father never concluded that entering politics was a mistake.

“But he didn’t say why I entered politics, I wish I didn’t enter politics,” he added.

Taiwo said education remained the central pillar of his father’s life, noting that Fasoranti continued to identify with teaching even after he formally retired.

According to him, the late educator began teaching in 1955 and maintained his commitment to the profession until his death.

He said his father believed that educating children was one of the most effective ways to secure their future and contribute to the progress of society.

“He said, ‘Teach the children so that tomorrow they think they can be safe,’” Taiwo recalled.

SSG explained that her father was very proud of the achievements of his former students, many of whom had become successful professionals and public figures.

He attributed Fasoranti’s commitment to education partly to the philosophy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his associates, who saw education as an important tool for social mobility and community development.

Taiwo said his father’s former students remained a visible testament to the impact he had throughout his life.

He argued that the greatest memorial to the late elder statesman was not necessarily a monument or building bearing his name, but the people he educated, mentored and helped succeed.

“Everywhere you turn, you see his students who are doing very well, who have reached even greater heights to achieve so many things. This is a legacy. This is how he wants to be remembered. ‘I touched this person.’ I think that’s enough,” he said.

Taiwo also described his father as a bridge builder who welcomed people of different ethnic backgrounds, political affiliations and social classes.

He said the family’s residence in Akure often attracted prominent politicians, government officials, community leaders and ordinary Nigerian citizens seeking the elder statesman’s advice.

According to him, Fasoranti did not discriminate against visitors based on their ethnic or social background, maintaining an open approach to personal relationships and community engagement.

Taiwo said visitors continued to arrive at the residence until the final days of his father’s life, although the family sometimes had to explain that the elder statesman could no longer receive guests.

As leader of Afenifere, he said, Fasoranti consistently advocated for unity among members of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, urging them to put aside internal disagreements and pursue shared goals.

“He said they must unite, they must unite,” Taiwo recalled.

He explained that his father believed that members did not necessarily have to agree on everything, but should remain committed to common goals and collective interests of the Yoruba people.

“No one was too young to see it”

Reflecting on his father’s final days, Taiwo said the elder statesman’s physical activities declined considerably with age, but the changes were consistent with the natural aging process.

He said Fasoranti died in his sleep, describing the end of his long life as peaceful.

SSG also recognized that it would be difficult to replicate her father’s influence, patience and personal qualities.

Asked if he could put himself in the shoes of the late elder statesman, Taiwo said he would not pretend to possess all the qualities that made his father great.

“Is it possible to put yourself in his shoes? It’s not possible. Let’s not fool ourselves. I can’t do what he did. That’s the truth. I can’t do what he did,” he said.

He described Fasoranti as a patient, approachable leader who made people feel welcome, regardless of their status.

“Baba was a special person. Patient, never angry. No one was too small to come to him,” Taiwo said.

She maintained that her father’s commitment to family, professional integrity, education, humility and community service were the lasting lessons of his life.

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE