Yinka Odumakin have died of COVID-19 in  a Lagos Hospital.

 

He died in the early hours of Saturday, 3rd March, 2021 due to complications from Covid-19, according to family sources.

 

The spokesman for the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, is dead.

 

“I just spoke with Dr. Joe, his wife. She’s in a panic mode. She said a part of her is gone. Odumakin had been in the ICU of LASUTH for the past one week after being transffered from IDH Yaba,” a source said.

 

Odumakin was a human rights activist who played a vital role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that fought General Sani Abacha’s regime after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.

He was the Apex Yoruba group’s spokesman for over two decades, coordinating the publicity and public relations activities of the group.

 

 

He was also one of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) spokespersons, the body representing ethnic nationalities in the South-West, South-South, South-East and the Middle Belt.

 

Odumakin, married to another activist, Dr. Joe Odumakin, has been one of the strongest critics of the present government using the platform of the Afenifere.

 

He has consistently taken on the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over alleged impartiality and favouritism in appointment into various offices.

 

His voice was also very loud in condemning the activities of killer herders in the Yorubaland.

 

He recently warned the Federal Government against arresting Sunday Igboho, who recently issued a quit notice to the Fulani herders in Ibarapa Oyo State and subsequently ejected the Sarkin Fulani in Igangan.

 

He was a critic of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

He was an advocate of restructuring and often said it is the only way to avoid disintegration.

 

 

Towards the end of 2020, he released a statement on behalf of Afenifere, saying Nigeria was on the brink of collapse.

 

The Condolences from Truth and Dare

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday paid a condolence visit to leader of pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, on the demise of the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Yinka Odumakin.

 

Obasanjo visited the nonagenarian at his Lagos residence to commiserate with him on the death of Odumakin.

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the late Spokesman of Afenifere was his spokesman when he contested for the presidency in 2011 under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

 

Buhari, whose condolence message was conveyed in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Garbage Shehu, sympathised with the family and friends of the deceased.

 

According to the statement, Buhari described Odumakin as dutiful, adding that he was a man of conviction.

 

While expressing sadness over Odumakin’s death, the President said he died at a time when he had a lot more to contribute to society and Nigeria as a whole.

 

He asked God to grant repose to his soul and comfort those who mourn him.

 

 

The statement reads:

“President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with the family, friends and acquaintances of Yinka Odumakin, spokesman of Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere.

 

“Odumakin was also spokesman to the then Gen Buhari in 2011 when he ran for President on the platform of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), now defunct.

 

“The President recalls Odumakin as dutiful, and a person of conviction, expressing sorrow at his demise, when he had a lot more to contribute to society and the nation at large.

 

“President Buhari prays God to grant repose to the soul of the departed activist, and comfort all those who mourn him.”

 

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode says he is deeply saddened by the death of Afenifere’s spokesman, Yinka Odumakin.

 

Reacting to his death, Fani-Kayode said “I am deeply saddened that we have lost Comrade Yinka Odumakin, one of our brightest and best. He was a great warrior who feared nothing and who stood for truth and justice, right to the end. The South West and indeed Nigeria has lost one of its greatest sons and brightest stars.

“May the Lord forgive him of all his sins, May He honour him with a place in Heaven and May his great and mighty soul rest in peace. Adieu great warrior, until we meet again.

 

“Those of us who had the honour of being called your brother and who stood by you shoulder to shoulder through the most trying times for our people and the most bitter battles for the emancipation of our nation shall miss you dearly.”

 

 

Fani-Kayode added: “You were a Spartan and a Roman all rolled into one in every sense of the word. A great son of the West who inspired millions, who made us proud of who we are and what we stand for, who humbled our collective adversaries and who harboured no fear.

 

“Your legacy is truly blessed and wrapped in glory and it shall surely endure. Be rest assured that those of us that you have left behind shall pick up the gauntlet, receive the baton, fly the flag and continue the great fight.”

 

Fani-Kayode said as “we enter each new battle, we shall call your name in awe and remember you. May your star shine brightly among the hosts of Heaven until we meet again at the marriage feast of the Lamb and may the Lord comfort and strengthen your wife, children and loved ones at this difficult time.

 

“The whole of Nigeria mourns you brother. You fought a good fight, you held the line, you stayed the course and now it is time for you to rest. We shall never forget you. Adieu great warrior until we meet again.”

 

Former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar described Yinka Odumakin as a patriot and advocate of good governance.

 

He says –

 

I received the news of the death of my younger brother and friend, Yinka Odumakin with a rude shock.

 

Odumakin was a patriot and strong believer in the promotion of good governance, democracy and the rule of law.

 

 

I sympathize with all Nigerians who share these same values with Odumakin, especially the Afenifere group of which Yinka was the publicity secretary – a role he played with so much commitment and admiration.

Much as our heart grieves over this unpleasant development, we must take solace in accepting it as an act of God and acknowledge the fact that Yinka lived a life of purpose in defense of the ordinary people of this country and to enthrone a better Nigeria.

 

I condole with his wife, Dr (Mrs) Joe Okei-Odumakin and his children and pray that God will grant him eternal rest.