The Osun state government on Thursday paid tribute to former National Leader of the Afenifere Group, and “respected politician”, Pa. Ayorinde Fasanmi, “who passed on at the ripe old age of 94.” According to a statement signed by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, the elder statesman’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.
