Felicia Adejoke, wife of frontline politician and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, is dead.
She died at about 10.00pm on Thursday aged 82.
The deceased, who had been battling an undisclosed ailment for several months, was the proprietor of the popular Bamidupe Maternity Home in Alekuwodo, Osogbo, Osun State.
Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, described her passing as a big loss to the state and the nation as a whole.
In a statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said the death has left a large vacuum in the state.
“I received the news of the death of the wife of Papa Fasanmi yesterday with a heavy heart. But I have strong conviction that mama, as a fervent Christian and ardent believer, no doubt led a meaningful life during her earthly sojourn.
“Mama stood by her husband and demonstrated an unflinching loyalty to the senator throughout his political career spanning more than half a century.
“On behalf of my family, government and the people of the State Osun, I offer our heartfelt condolences to both the immediate and extended family of Fasanmi.
“We pray that Almighty God would grant her a befitting abode in paradise reserved for the pious and the righteous on earth,” Aregbesola said.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also expressed sadness on the death of the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader.
Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, described Mrs. Fasanmi’s death as painful and unfortunate.
He also described the deceased as a virtuous woman who lived a life of integrity, sacrifice, commitment and selfless service to humanity.
The Governor said Mrs Fasanmi who died some days after her husband celebrated his 89th birthday last month was a trusted and committed soul mate to the First and Second Republic parliamentarian.
He noted that the death of Mrs. Fasanmi was painful because she died at a time her husband needed her company most having weathered the storms of life together in the time past.
Fayemi said the deceased was a strong pillar of support for the Afenifere chieftain and was there for him throughout the thick and thin of an unblemished career in the public service.
He urged the family of the deceased to be consoled by the good legacies she left behind.
“The government and the people of Ekiti State share with the family of our leader, Papa Fasanmi, the grief of the passing on of the matriarch and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bare the irreparable loss,” the statement added.
