President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the passing of the leader of Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayorinde Fasanmi, describing his death as a big loss to the nation.
Fasanmi, 94, a pharmacist turned politician, died on Wednesday night according to his son, Afolabi.
The nonagenarian, who was also the leader of Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba, died after a brief illness in Osogbo.
The President condoled with people and government of Osun and Ekiti states, family members, friends and associates of the elder statesman, who served as a legislator in both House of Representatives and Senate and distinguished himself politically by always standing 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 will be sorely missed by governments at different levels, as he regularly and willingly listened to leaders, and always had a piece of good advice on going forward.”
“As an ardent follower and prodigy of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo,” the President believed “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.”
Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, noted 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 prayed God to receive the soul of the departed leader, and comfort his family.
