Afenifere factional leader, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, has been described as a truthful and consistent icon who is committed to national development.
Chairman of South West APC Governors Forom and Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN; National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former Interim National chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and other dignitaries who spoke at Fasanmi’s 94 birthday, described him as an icon who towers above his peers.
In his keynote address at the event, Akeredolu and South West Governors’ Forum said it was a matter of extreme joy that Yorubaland still prides herself with the presence of old, tested and committed elders such as Fasanmi.
The theme of the birthday lecture was “Ayo Fasanmi: An Epitome of Consistency and Loyalty to Progressive Ideals.”
Akeredolu who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, specifically saluted the uncommon courage of the nonagenarian, saying he is not afraid to speak truth to power.
“it is only decent that we acknowledge the resourcefulness of those who disregarded partisan considerations and the likelihood of blackmail, to bring the sons and daughters of Yorubaland under the same roof to celebrate a man of rare courage and principle.
“Papa has seen it all. Starting from political tutelage under the sage, AWO, in the pre-independence era, the budding nationalist represented the people of the defunct Western Region from Ekiti in the House of Representatives during the First Republic.
“He remains one of the very few dedicated apostles of the late AWO, in words and deeds. He joined others to resist prolonged military rule. He followed the progressive principles upon which the foundation of politics was laid in the South West.
“He is not a partisan of injustice and parochial political practitioner for self-aggrandisement. He is not scared of standing alone or pernicious labeling. He is bold and decent. He remembers the past and draws useful lessons therefrom. He is a true leader in whom there is no guile,” Akeredolu emphasised.
Also, the chairman of the occasion, Tinubu, represented by Ademola Seriki, former Minister of State for Defence, congratulated the celebrant on his 94th birthday, just as he described him as a rare politician and embodiment of character and dignity.
Oyetola who was represented by his deputy, Benedict Alabi, also extolled the virtues of the nonagenarian, saying he is an epitome of progressivism and a committed leader who encourages mass political participation.
Other speakers at the event including former Osun State governor, Chief Bisi Akande, and former deputy governor of Oyo State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, said the celebrant is a rare gift not only to the South-West but the entire country.
Afenifere leaders, politicians, captains of industry, royal fathers, religious leaders, friends and associates graced the occasion.
The Hope
