The inconsistent nature of many politicians and lack of party loyalty have been blamed for Nigeria’s socio-economic and political underdevelopment.
In a lecture to mark the 94th birthday of the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the guest speaker, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, who was the deputy governor of Oyo State between 1999 and 2003, berated politicians who jump from one political party to another for selfish reasons.
In the lecture entitled: “Ayo Fasanmi: An Epitome of Consistency and Loyalty To Progressive Ideals,” the former deputy governor commended Fasanmi, a second republic senator, for being a consistent and loyal party man, who he said had stood firmly by the principles of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said: “Papa Fasanmi came into politics with a progressive mindset and has remained so till now. He has never been a chameleon party man, which is the bane of party politics in Nigeria today.
“Whereas there are uncountable number of men of his age bracket who are known for jumping from one political party to another for selfish reasons bordering on stomach infrastructure. Chief Ayo Fasanmi is consistent with the firm determination to do what is right at all times, no matter the odds.
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“Contrary to what is in vogue in the Nigerian political arena, Chief Ayo Fasanmi contested elections and remained loyal to his political party in his loss and was humble in his victory. He contested governorship primary elections against Chief Adekunle Ajasin in 1979 in Ondo State. Chief Ajasin had 32 votes and Chief Ayo Fasanmi had 19. To the surprise of his supporters and other contestants’ supporters, Chief Fasanmi went and congratulated Chief Adekunke Ajasin.”
Oladokun also prayed to God to give Chief Fasanmi the grace to celebrate many more of years on earth in sound health so that the present crop of politicians could draw lessons from his rich experience.
Earlier, Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, described Chief Fasanmi as a beacon of hope and pillar of light for the younger generation of politicians and administrators.
Represented by his deputy, Benedict Alabi, the governor said the unrelenting efforts and contributions of Chief Fasanmi to progressive politics had helped to deepen democracy in Nigeria.
He further said that Chief Fasanmi’s democratic spirit pushed him to fight against military rule and bad governance with uncommon perseverance.
Also speaking on the occasion, a former governor of Osun State and erstwhile national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, advised the youths to always have another profession rather than depending solely on politics as a career.
Akande said the only way for Nigerian politicians to be consistent and loyal to their party was to remain engaged in their professions rather than depending on politics.
He attributed Fasanmi’s political consistency to the love he has for his country and the fact that he had a profession, which he remained true to, stressing that the nonagerian never depended solely on politics.
Also, the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed appreciation to Fasanmi for his steadfastness and supportive role for national and Yoruba interests.
Tinubu, who was represented by a former minister of state for defence, Senator Demola Seriki, noted the role of Fasanmi in the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as President and the victory of the South West governors at the polls.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including Senator Olabiyi Durojaye, the deputy governors of Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun States, and a former deputy governor of Osun State, Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori.
Also, among the traditional rulers in attendance were the Ataoja of Osogbo, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, the Oluwo of Iwo, the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu, the Olobu of Ilobu and the Oloyan of Oyan.
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