Buhari mourns Fasanmi

• Fasanmi’s death, a big loss to Yoruba race, Nigeria – Oyetola

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday joined Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, to mourn the passing of Pa Ayorinde Fasanmi, describing his death as a big loss to the nation.
A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the president condoled with the people and governments of Osun and Ekiti States, family members, friends and associates of the elder statesman.
The president recalled that Fasanmi served as a legislator in both the House of Representatives and Senate, and distinguished himself politically by always standing for the truth, especially on issues relating to the uplifting of the downtrodden.
Buhari observed that Fasanmi’s wise counsels, which he said were borne out of humility, deep reflection, diligent studies and experience, would be sorely missed by governments at different levels.
According to him, the deceased regularly and willingly listened to leaders, and always offered good advice on the way forward.
The statement added: “As an ardent follower and prodigy of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the President believes the fearless and consistent leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation lived to serve his people and the nation, and the progressive ideals that he projected impacted greatly and provided a road map on development at state and federal levels.
“President Buhari notes, with commendation, that the efforts of Chief Fasanmi in the founding and sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy will be remembered, and posterity will be glad for his great sacrifices.
“The President prays that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed leader, and comfort his family.”
In a related development, The Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has described his death as a big loss to not only the Yoruba race, but Nigeria as a whole.
The Governor described the late Afenifere leader as one of the Encyclopedias 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.
Oyetola said Pa Fasanmi was a great man of honour, progressive politician, and strong advocate of good governance, democratic values and ideals.
According to him, the late Pa Fasanmi 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.
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.
“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.
Oyetola prayed God Almighty to grant the soul of Pa Fasanmi eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear his demise.