Pa Ayorinde Fasanmi
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.
The President through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, 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.
In a statement signed by one of his children, Folabi Fasanmi, in Osogbo on Thursday, the Nonagenarian died peacefully on Wednesday night in Osogbo.
“With great gratitude to the Almighty God for a life well spent, we wish to announce the demise of our father, Senator Ayo Fasanmi at the ripe age of 94 years.
“The Second Republic Senator, who until his death was a leader of the Yoruba Socio Cultural Group, Egbe Afenifere (ILOSIWAJU YORUBA) and a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed on peacefully in Osogbo on Wednesday night”, the family stated.
Pa Fasanmi served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Western Nigeria Housing Corporation.
He was also the 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.
Pa Fasanmi also served with the National Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994, as a member.
The burial arrangement will be announced by his immediate family in conjunction with his political associates and the South West Governors as hinted by his family.