Fasanmi Fought For Independence, Democracy – Adebanjo

A chieftain of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo, has lauded the late Pa Ayo Fasanmi, who died on Wednesday at the age of 94.

Adebanjo while speaking on the development noted that the deceased fought for the independence of Nigeria as a foot soldier of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in the 1950s.

He further stated that Fasanmi was known for speaking during the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 mandate of the late MKO Abiola.

According to him, in the mid-2000s, during the crisis of the Alliance for Democracy and Afenifere, the deceased supported the former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, and broke away from the group.

Adebanjo, however, stated that Fasanmi remains a great Nigerian and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The Afenifere chieftain said, “I didn’t know Fasanmi was dead until you told me. He was a good friend. May heaven be his reward. He was a great nationalist and we fought together for independence. He was one of the early foot soldiers of Chief Awolowo.”

“He was also part of the struggle of June 12. He was among those who encouraged Tinubu to leave our group and he followed Tinubu but this doesn’t diminish his person. May his soul rest in peace.”

The late Pa Ayo Fasanmi died on Wednesday at the age of 94.