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 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.
According to President Buhari, he distinguished himself politically by always standing for the truth, especially on issues related to the uplifting of the downtrodden.
In a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, on Thursday, President Buhari affirmed that Chief Fasanmi’s wise counsels borne out of humility, deep reflection, diligent studies and experience will 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 the way going forward.
The statement reads in part;
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 the same vein, the Leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the South West on Thursday described the death of Fasanmi, as a huge loss to the Progressives family in Nigeria.
The South West Zonal Publicity Secretary of APC, Karounwi Oladapo, said this in a statement on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.
Oladapo said Fasanmi, one of the foremost elder statesmen, was a very honest and consistent Politician, who never flirted from one political ideology to the other.
The party noted that Senator Fasanmi played a pivotal role during Buhari’s re-election campaign bid in 2019.
The South West APC Leaders, therefore, urged the federal government to name a National monument after Fasanmi, in recognition of his innumerable contributions to democracy, good governance and national development.
