President Muhammadu Buhari has joined Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, in mourning the passing of Pa Ayorinde Fasanmi, describing his death as a big loss to the nation.
Buhari, in a message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Thursday, condoled with the people, Governments of Osun and Ekiti, family members, friends and associates of the elder statesman.
He acknowledged that Pa Fasanmi was a member of both the House of Representatives and the Senate where he distinguished himself politically.
The president said that the elder statesman always stood for the truth, especially on issues related to the uplifting of the downtrodden.
Buhari affirmed that Fasanmi’s wise counsels borne out of humility, deep reflection, diligent studies and experience, would be sorely missed by governments at different levels.
The president stated that the late elder statesman, regularly and willingly listened to leaders, and always had good advice on way going forward.
Buhari said, as an ardent follower and prodigy of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the fearless and consistent Afenifere leader lived to serve his people and the nation.
He maintained that the progressive ideals that late Pa Fasanmi projected, impacted greatly and provided a road map on development at state and federal levels.
Buhari noted, ”the efforts of Fasanmi in the founding and sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy will be remembered, and posterity will be glad for his great sacrifices.”
The president prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed leader and comfort his family.
The death of Fasanmi was confirmed on July 25 in a statement by one of his children, Folabi Fasanmi, who said the nonagenarian died peacefully in Osogbo, Osun State.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has condoled with the family, friends and political associates of Fasanmi.
The Senate President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, on Thursday in Abuja, said the late elder statesman made immense contributions to nation-building.
Lawan also commiserated with the government and people of Ekiti State and the Yoruba people in general over the demise of a leader who throughout his life was committed to the cause of his people and Nigeria.
He said Nigerians would miss Pa Fasanmi’s forthrightness, consistency, wise counsel and wealth of experience.
Lawan prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased perfect peace and grant those that he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in a statement, said: “I commiserate with the family, associates and progressives throughout our country, the South-west and Ekiti State in particular over the passing of eminent politician, elder statesman and beloved leader of Afenifere, Senator Ayo Fasanmi. With his passing, we have lost someone special and excellent in every way.
“Papa’s long sojourn on earth was for the good of all. He walked at the vanguard of all democrats, freedom fighters and believers in true federalism. To have lived to the age of 94 was God’s gift not only to him and his family, but to this nation he loved so deeply.
“A colourful personality, Papa was principled, courageous and honest. He was a loyal and dependable ally of the indomitable Chief Obafemi Awolowo. For all his life, Pa Fasanmi practised and advanced the virtues he learned at the feet of his leader. He never betrayed those values.
“Like American civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis, who was buried today (Thursday, July 30), Papa Fasanmi remained faithful to the truth for which he suffered greatly. Yet, no matter the cost, he never strayed from his principles. A brave man, he never flinched at the prospect of speaking truth to power.
“I had a close relationship with Paba Fasanmi, dating back many years. He was a mentor and role model to me and many others who believe in progressive politics as a means to uplift our society and its people. When Papa was recently admitted to the hospital for age-related sickness, I spoke to him and followed up with his close aide to monitor his situation.
“As Afenifere leader, he was a true believer in the importance of fiscal federalism as essential for the growth of Nigeria. His vision for our nation was a coherent and correct one.
“I share in the grief of this moment with his political soulmates, Pa Fasoranti, Chief Bisi Akande, and others. I also commiserate with Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.
“Papa Fasoranti devoted himself toward progressive development and democratic advancement. This fine job has not been completed. The Nigeria of our dreams is still a work in progress. Papa Fasanmi struggled for that dream and supported those patriots, like President Muhammadu Buhari, who also toiled for the same goal. Let us all learn from Papa Fasanmi’s example and join hands to move Nigeria towards the safe harbour of peace and prosperity.
“We pray that Almighty God grant the soul of Pa Fasanmi eternal rest. May God also guide and comfort his family that they may have the strength and perseverance to continue after him through living by his example. God bless Nigeria”.
The South West Governors’ Forum described Fasanmi as a patriot whose positive exploits would not be forgotten in a hurry.
The Chairman of the forum, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, expressed the feeling in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, on Thursday in Akure.
According to the forum’s chairman, Fasanmi, “one of the few men standing,” personified integrity and exemplified atruism.
“Baba lives on because of his positive exploits and demonstrated capacity to lead a people. He bequeathed courage, planted love and displayed an insatiable quest for a just, equitable and egalitarian Nigeria.
“His thoughts were laced with candour and palpable emotional attachment for his people, the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.
“These thoughts were truly Nigeran and reflected in all ways, an inexorable passion for humanity.
“As a true son of the old Ondo State, Governors of both states and indeed, all South West governors, will commence talks with the immediate family to give this patriot, a befitting interment ” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed sadness over the death of Fasanmi whom he described as “a great Nationalist, passionate leader and humility personified.” Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the death of the nonagenarian came at a critical period when his wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom was most needed in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu, who also described the late Pa Fasanmi as a complete gentleman and selfless leader, said he contributed immensely to the development of South West region in particular and the nation in general.
According to the Governor, “Pa Fasanmi, was an exemplary leader who spent the greater part of his life in the service of humanity, particularly the Yoruba cause where he contributed to the development of the region.
Sanwo-Olu recalled, ” In the old Western Nigeria, Pa Fasanmi served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Western Nigeria Housing Corporation.
“He was National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in 1977, elected into the Senate in 1979, and became a member of the House of Representatives in 1983.
He also served as a member of the National Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994.
“Pa Fasanmi was indeed an icon who will never be forgotten in history of Nigeria and the Yoruba race. He will surely be missed.”
Sanwo-Olu said that late Pa Fasanmi, who was an “Awoist” to the core, would be remembered for his words of wisdom in keeping Nigeria as one united entity.”
The Governor added that Fasanmi, had always been advocating to Yoruba leaders to forget their differences and close the ranks for the good of the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.
According to the Governor, “the late Pa Fasanmi made the call in Lagos in his remark at the public presentation of the book: “Yoruba Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo and Corporate Agency”, written by Professor Wale Adebanwi, an Associate Professor in African American and African Studies, University of California-Davis.
“According to the frontline politician and second republic senator, this is (then) the time for political differences that have existed among the Awoists and the entire Afenifere clan to be cleared.
“At this auspicious time in our country, it is good we are having an occasion like this which brings many of us (Awolowo Associates) together. The event of today suggests to me that we need to forget our differences.”
Sanwo-Olu stated that the above statement among other great virtues are what the late Fasanmi stood for.
“On behalf of my family, the Lagos State Government and people of the state, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the immediate family members of the deceased; the government and people of Ekiti and Ondo States over the irreparable loss.
“May God give the departed soul eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Adieu Pa Fasanmi,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, described Fasanmi as one of the heroes of democracy being enjoyed in the country today.
The Second Republic Senator, who hailed from Iye -Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Ekiti State, passed on Thursday, aged 94 years.
Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described Fasanmi as a steadfast Awoist and committed progressive who was a torchbearer for younger progressives in his lifetime.
The Governor said the death of Fasanmi had robbed Nigeria of one of her most selfless politicians and patriots who demonstrated unalloyed commitment for a better country where justice and equity occupy a pride of place.
He noted that Pa Fasanmi was a politician who was consistent with the progressive ideology as demonstrated in his membership of the Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria, Social Democratic Party, Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress, Action Congress of Nigerian and All Progressives Congress.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) said Ekiti is proud to have produced Fasanmi who served as a parliamentarian at different times in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Fayemi recalled the pivotal role played by Fasanmi as a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in the fight to revalidate the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
He said the late Fasanmi demonstrated courage in his stand against military dictatorship at a time it was very dangerous to dare the most vicious dictatorship in the nation’s history.
The Governor described Pa Fasanmi as a renowned Pharmacist who made a name in the profession leading to his emergence as the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in 1977.
Fayemi said all these sterling qualities exhibited by Fasanmi informed the decision by his administration to name one of the four new secondary schools in the state capital after the late elder statesman in 2019.
He expressed fulfilment that Fasanmi was alive to witness the enthronement of a government of the progressives at the federal level for the first time in the nation’s political history in 2015 and was also consistent in advocating for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election in 2019.
The Governor who said that Fasanmi lived a fulfilled life urged contemporary politicians to imbibe the ideals of service, sacrifice, humility, altruism and patriotism of the late elder statesman.
“Our highly revered Pa Fasanmi lived a good life, ran a good race and has gone home for a well deserved rest.
“There is no doubt we shall miss his wise counsel, but we are consoled with the fact he lived a good life and left a good legacy. Our prayer is that God will grant him eternal rest and comfort his family.” He said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is saddened by the death of Fasanmi.
APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yekini Nabena, said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday while extending condolences to Fasanmi’s family, the government and people of Ekiti and Ondo states.
“The Yoruba and indeed the nation at large have lost a father to all, elder statesman, welfarist, second Republic Senator and frontline politician whose indelible strides will be forever remembered.
“Pa Fasanmi was one of Nigeria’s leading voices who spoke truth to power.
“In death, the APC celebrates an accomplished man and leader of the frontline Yoruba socio-cultural organisation who, alongside championing the socio-political interests and preserving the ethnic identity of the Yorubas, was also an advocate of good governance in the country.
“Although, born in Ekiti State, he chose to make Osun State home. The APC expresses condolences to the immediate family, the government and people of Ekiti and Ondo states and the Yoruba nation at large.
“We pray for the fortitude to bear the loss. The task before us now is to keep his legacies alive,” party’s spokesman said.
Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, described the death of Fasanmi as a great loss to Nigeria and the Yoruba nation.
Adams, in a statement by his Media Aide, Kehinde Aderemi, on Thursday in Lagos, said that the Yoruba nation had lost one of her strong voices.
The Aare said the death of the late Fasanmi had created a big vacuum among great leaders of Yoruba race.
“With the exit of the late Pa Ayo Fasanmi, we have lost one of our finest personalities. The death of the Yoruba leader was a great loss to Nigeria and the Yoruba race in particular.
“Baba was a great man with exemplary character. He was so devoted to the cause of our race, and he stood firm during the dark era of the military.
“Pa Fasanmi, in his time, loomed larger than that of his peers. He was an epitome of humility, selflessness and integrity.
“He was a strong voice of our race during the Second Republic when he served as a Senator and House of Representatives at different times,” Adams said.
According to him, there is no doubt that the Yoruba nation will sorely miss his radical approach to issues.
He added that late Pa Fasanmi was an Awoist that impacted his generation.
“He was among the core loyalists of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo that was reputed to be a strong voice, and a symbol of courage.
“For instance, during the old Western Nigeria,the late Pa Fasanmi served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Western Nigeria Housing Corporation”
“He made enviable and remarkable contributions to his profession, to the socio-political development of Yorubaland, and to the nation at large,” the Aare said.
Adams, who noted that the late Pa Fasanmi lived a worthy life, prayed God to give the family and the Yoruba nation the fortitude to bear the loss.
The late Fasanmi was once the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, elected into the Senate in 1979, and became a member of the House of Representatives in 1983.
He died on Wednesday night in Osogbo, Osun State, aged 94.
