President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Sunday expressed sadness over the death of the founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the late Fasehun as a patriotic Nigerian who served his country meritoriously during his lifetime.

He said: “Fasehun was a man who transcended childhood limitation of late enrollment into school, became a medical practitioner of repute and joined in the struggle to enthrone democracy in the country.

“He served the Yoruba nation in particular and the country in general through his cultural renaissance movement - the OPC and political struggle respectively. He was one of the people who deserved to be called the heroes of our present democracy as they fought against military rule.

“Dr. Fasehun worked to preserve the health of the high and low in society. He worked to free Nigeria from military dictatorship. He worked to promote the cause of the Yoruba Nation. We have lost a star and a man of ideas. We shall all miss him.”

Saraki commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Ondo State and the Yoruba Nation over the sad loss.

He urged Nigerians to take solace in the fact that the OPC leader made immense contributions to the socio-cultural advancement and wellbeing of humanity through his medical practice, political activism and cultural reawakening.

The Senate President also prayed to God to grant the departed soul eternal rest and his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.