Oyetola, Sanwo-Olu mourn death of Afenifere leader, Pa Fasanmi

Governor of The State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has described the death of elder statesman and leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, as a big loss to not only the Yoruba race, but also Nigeria as a whole.

He said the late Pa Fasammi would be greatly missed and remembered for his love for and service to Nigeria and its people.

Oyetola in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, commiserated with Pa Fasanmi’s family, the Afenifere Group, the entire Yoruba race and Nigerians over the loss.

The governor said Pa Fasanmi was a great man of honour, progressive politician, and strong advocate of good governance, democratic values and ideals.

He further said the late Afenifere leader was a die-hard Awoist and demonstrated this by projecting the principles and legacies of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The Governor described  him as one of the  Encyclopaedias of Progressivism and a loyal and dedicated practitioner of its ideals, adding that every 30 minutes at Pa Fasanmi’s feet was worth more than reading 10 books on politics.

“Baba’s death is a big loss not only to his family but also to the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large. He will be remembered for his unending love for Nigeria and selfless service to the country and its people. He was always concerned about the welfare of the masses.

“He was an astute politician and elder statesman, who was ever seeking to enrich and expand the frontiers of socio-political knowledge, encourage mass political participation, offer selfless service and replicated himself in his teeming followers.

“I knew Baba Fasanmi for many years, even before my foray into politics. I saw in him a trained pharmacist, who faithfully transferred the ideals of service to humanity, which his training entails into the larger business of politics.

“Through his noble efforts in diverse political struggles, agitation for good governance, and persistent resistance to military rule, bad governments, and administrations, Pa Fasanmi became a beacon of hope and a pillar of light and encouragement to the younger generation of politicians and public administrators,” the governor added.

Meanwhile, 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.

Governor 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 Mr Governor, “Pa Fasanmi, was an exemplary leader who spent the greater part of his life in the service of humanity, particularly the Yoruba course 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.”

Governor 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 Pa 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.