Former National Leader of the Afenifere Group and respected politician, Pa. Ayorinde Fasanmi, is dead, the Osun State Government confirmed on Thursday.
Pa. Fasanmi was 94 years old.
According to a statement signed by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, the elder stateman’s passing was confirmed by his first son, Hon. Justice Obademi Fasanmi on behalf of the family.
“Pa. Fasanmi was an epitome of humility, selflessness and integrity, the statement said. “He made enviable and remarkable contributions to his profession, to the socio-political development of Yorubaland, and to the nation at large.”
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 with the National Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994, as a member.
The state government added: “Baba Fasanmi was a leader who demonstrated his love for our great country in many laudable ways; but more heart-warming was how he showed optimal concern for the welfare of the poor and underprivileged, and how he held leaders accountable on their promises of good governance.
“We also recognise how much Osogbo, and Osun State as a whole meant to Pa. Fasanmi, who was transferred to Osogbo as a Pharmacist in 1951, and he chose to live here till he took his last breath.
“His Alekuwodo residence became a make-shift Secretariat for a number of causes and movements of national relevance.
“The State Government of Osun appreciates all he accomplished in his lifetime, especially as a pivotal force in the socio-cultural and political bolstering of the Yoruba.”
Buhari Sends Condolence
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday paid his condolences to Pa. Fasanmi in a statement signed by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.
The President described his death “as a big loss to the nation,” according to the statement.
Fasanmi “distinguished himself politically by always standing for the truth, especially on issues related to the uplifting of the downtrodden,” Buhari noted. And “his wise counsels borne out of humility, deep reflection, diligent studies and experience will be sorely missed by governments at different levels, as he regularly and willingly listened to leaders, and always had a good advice on going forward.”
“The President prays that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed leader, and comfort his family,” Adesina’s statement concluded.
