Today, July 29, marks exactly six years since the passing of one of Nigeria's most outstanding, principled, and indefatigable leaders, Late Senator Ayo Fasanmi. Though life is beautiful, precious, and worth living, heaven remains the eternal home of every human being.
Although you are no longer with us, your spirit continues to live in our hearts, and your remarkable legacy remains fresh in our memories every day. Your unwavering integrity, selfless service, and incorruptible leadership remain worthy of emulation by every sincere politician and public servant.
Your journey of service to the nation began in your late twenties. As Nigeria Labour activist, you actively participated in the struggle for Nigeria's independence alongside your friend, the late *Dr. Tunji Otegbeye,* and other patriotic young Nigerians who fought tirelessly for the nation's freedom.
Your political career began as a Councillor in Ero Local Government, which then comprised Ijero, Moba, and Ilejemeje. In 1963, you were elected into the House of Representatives. Later, during the administration of *Brigadier General (Rtd.) Oluwole Rotimi* as Military Governor of the old Western State, you were appointed Chairman of the Western State Housing Corporation. Under your leadership, several housing estates were established across the old Western Region. Despite allocating land to many people, you never allocated a single plot to yourself or any member of your family an enduring testimony to your honesty, discipline, and selflessness.
During the Second Republic in 1979, you contested for the governorship of Ondo State on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Although you narrowly lost the party's governorship primary to the *late Chief Adekunle Ajasin* by just twelve votes, you accepted the outcome in the true spirit of democracy, party supremacy, and progressive ideals. You subsequently contested for the Senate, won the election, and served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health. You were later re-elected for a second term before the military interrupted democratic governance.
You endured persecution during the regime of General Sani Abacha because you refused to betray the Yoruba people or abandon your democratic convictions. In the Fourth Republic, you joined other progressive leaders to establish the Alliance for Democracy (AD), where you served as the South-West Chairman, providing purposeful leadership for the party across the region.
Beyond politics, you distinguished yourself professionally as a trained pharmacist. You became a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and later served as its National President. Before your passing, you also emerged as the National Leader of Afenifere and lived to witness the realization of the long-held dream of *Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige* a progressive government at the centre of Nigeria. You once remarked that whenever you met *Chief Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige* in eternity, you would proudly tell them that the progressive family had finally taken over the leadership of Nigeria at the federal level.
Following a brief illness, you answered the call of your Creator. *The then Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola,* ensured that you received the best medical attention available. Yet, when God's appointed time comes, no human effort can stop it. I still vividly remember the day Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, personally called to ask about your health. He asked in Yoruba, "Ṣé Bàbá wa ò dáa?" ("How is our father?"), and I replied that you were stable. That brief conversation remains unforgettable.
One memory I will cherish forever was the day you called me and said, "Tope, if you are interested in politics, let 'Fasanmi' be your political name. Throughout your lifetime, many of your political associates and followers fondly called me Tope Fasanmi, a name that symbolized the unique bond, trust, and mentorship we shared.
Because of your influence, mentorship, and fatherly guidance, Dr. Kayode Fayemi appointed me as his Executive Assistant. Through your support, I had the rare privilege of meeting and working with many distinguished leaders in Nigeria's progressive family.
You came, you saw, and you conquered. Your life was defined by sacrifice, honour, integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to the service of humanity. Your name will forever remain written in gold in the history of progressive politics and nation-building in Nigeria.
As we remember you today, we celebrate not only your achievements but also the enduring values you lived for. Your legacy continues to inspire generations, and your memory will forever remain a source of strength to all who knew you.
May your gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.
My Father. My Leader. My Boss.
Late Senator Ayo Fasanmi (1925–2020).
*Hon. Adebayo Temitope*
*Former Personal Assistant to Late* *Senator Ayo Fasanmi*
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