Fasanmi: Demise of ‘revolutionary chemist’
He will be remembered as a consistent and principled politician who never jumped ship. Those who abandoned the progressive vehicle during challenging moments had money and material resources in abundance. But, these cannot compare with integrity, credibility and honour, which made the Iye Ekiti-born a colossus and a role model.
After leaving the college in 1947, he had wanted to become a lawyer. But, there was no faculty of law at the University College, Ibadan. He headed for the School of Pharmacy, Yaba, Lagos for a professional training. After graduation, he worked at the Jericho Hospital, Ibadan, and later, Osogbo. But, more importantly, Fasanmi was in reckoning in the sixties when he became the President of AG Youth Association after Chief Remi Fani-Kayode left the group.
Fasanmi became a link between Awo and many committed party youths. One of them, Olorunfunmi Basorun, said he was mentored by the AG youth leader who taught him how to write articles and public speaking. His colleagues in the Senate of Joseph Wayas era were Senators Banji Akintoye, Jonathan Odebiyi, Abraham Adesanya, Shitta-Bey, Abiru, Durosinmi-Etti, Ajayi Ayantuga, and Ayo Ogunseye. He was re-elected to represent the old Ondo North in 1983, defeating Olu Adesina of the National Party of Nigeria .
But, reminiscent of the First Republic, the Second Republic also ended abruptly. Fasanmi went back to his chemist shop at Osogbo.His sympathy was with the Social Democratic Party . He cried foul when the historic presidential election won by Chief Moshood Abiola was criminally annulled by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida. Like other political leaders in Afenifere and the National Democratic Coalition , he called for its de-annulment, but to no avail.
Many would have also expected an insight into why Niyi Adebayo defeated S. K Babalola during the Ekiti governorship primary while his colleagues-Lam Adesina and Adebayo Adefarati-won in Oyo and Ondo states.
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