Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams has described the death of Dr Fredrick Fasehun as a great loss to the Yoruba race.
Adams also said the death was a great loss to Nigeria and the world at large, pointing out that Fasehun left behind a worthy legacy.
Fasehun died in Lagos in the early hours of Saturday. He was 83 years old.
Adams in a condolence letter to commiserate with the family of the founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC). pointed out that he received the news of the death with shock and disbelief.
“It was with shock that I received the sad news of the passing of our Papa and founding father of OPC which occurred today, December 1, 2018.
“This, no doubt, is a moment of great grief for the entire family of OPC, Yoruba nation, Nigeria and the world at large.
“But it is also clear that the deep sense of loss over the demise of our beloved leader is shared by many like me.
“I hasten, therefore, to address this statement to commiserate with the immediate family over this painful bereavement,” Adams said.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo added that the deceased in his lifetime made outstanding contributions to the progress of the nation in many capacities, and no doubt left behind a worthy legacy through his careers as a renowned medical doctor and politician among other achievements.
He emphasised that the late Fasehun was one of the good doctors trained in China as an acupuncturist.
“A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 90s, I see him as a father, and I passed through him for a period of five years.
“Baba deserves all respect because he acquitted himself so diligently, and will also be remembered as a distinguished leader in all ramifications, and one that was greatly admired by the general public and his peers as a straightforward and complete gentleman,” he said.
Adams pointed out that the deceased deserved all the tributes having had the privilege of close association with him as a leader, father and confidant for many years, adding that he can affirm his democrat lifestyle nature.
“He demonstrated wisdom, honesty and good leadership, established friendship, harmony and accommodation across board. He was as a community leader and a prominent patriot, which was no doubt a testimony to be reference to.
“Baba exhibited very good leadership qualities, wisdom and wealth of experience which indeed he put to use in the discharge of his responsibility, as well as upholding the institution’s tradition of excellence, while alive,” said Adams.
According to him, Fasehun will also be remembered for his invaluable contributions to building a better society.
“I extend on behalf of my family, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) our sincere condolences on the transition of our beloved leader and father and pray that the Almighty God grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“Until his death, Fasehun was the founding father and spiritual leader of the Oodua People’s Congress.
“This was based on the peace resolutions perfected by the former Governor of Ogun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel on March 7th, 2005, which led to my emergence as the national coordinator of the OPC,” Adams added.
