President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family, friends and acquaintances of Yinka Odumakin, spokesman for the 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.
He died on Saturday morning, according to a statement by his wife, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, at the age of 59 years.
The President in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina in Abuja, Saturday, recalled 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 prayed God to grant repose to the soul of the departed activist, and comfort all those who mourn him.
Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said that the South-West had lost a courageous human rights activist and fearless public commentator.
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The governor noted that Odumakin, while alive, championed the cause of the South-West and promote the ideals of the late sage and Premier of the defunct Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo, which were held dear by the Afenifere.
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Abiodun, who said the late journalist would be remembered for his timely response to national issues, particularly, ones that affected the southwest, added that Odumakin lived a good life and fought a good fight.
“For those of us who have followed Odumakin’s trajectory in journalism and activism, he lived a good life and fought doggedly to defend the defenceless. He and his wife were always at the forefront to protest against oppressive government policies.
“As the spokesperson of the Afenifere, he discharged his duties diligently and defended the cause of the southwest passionately. He never hid his passion for the Yoruba people and was never timid to speak against any policy that would affect the generality of the nation.
“Though, the activist has gone to the join his Maker, his humane and altruistic activities while on Earth will remain indelible in our hearts.
“I commiserate with his immediate family, especially his wife and ‘Siamese twins’, Joey Odumakin, the Afenifere and indeed, the South-West. I pray that his soul finds comfort in the bosom of the Almighty God. We shall all miss Odumakin. Goodnight, Yinka!”, he said.
Also, Osun State Governor , Adegboyega Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, also condoled with the wife of the deceased, his children and the entire family.
He described Odumakin’s death as a great loss to Yorubaland and the nation at large, noting that his contributions to the enthronement and growth of democracy in Nigeria would not be forgotten.
He said: “On behalf of the Government and good people of the State of Osun, I commiserate with the Afenifere Group over the demise of Mr. Yinka Odumakin. I also condole his wife, Dr. Joe, his children and the entire Odumakin family over this tragic occurrence.
“The death of Mr Yinka Odumakin is a great loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. His contributions to the enthronement and growth of democracy in the country will never be forgotten.
“It is my prayer that God Almighty will comfort his family and loved ones and grant his soul eternal rest.”
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Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said he lost a brother and that Yorubaland lost a true fighter, while mourning Odumakin.
Makinde described Odumakin’s death as a personal loss of a good brother, and a great loss to the Yoruba race.
Makinde, who stated that the news of Odumakin’s passage came as a rude shock that has left him in a sad mood, commiserated with the wife of the late Afenifere chieftain, the Odumakin family, members of Afenifere and the entire Yoruba nation.
He described the late Afenifere spokesman as a true Yoruba son, who embodied the ethos of Omoluabi, a dogged and true fighter of the Yoruba cause and an advocate of good governance.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said Odumakin’s death has created a huge vacuum in Yorubaland and Nigeria.
The governor said: “Words failed me when I received the news of the death of a wonderful brother and friend, a true Yoruba son and a true fighter of the cause of our nation, Yinka Odumakin.
“This is a personal loss to me, a huge loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria, because Odumakin, apart from being a true Yoruba son and an embodiment of the Omoluabi ethos, is an advocate of good governance and true federalism.
“I commiserate with his dear wife, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, the Afenifere family and the entire Yoruba nation on the death of a true son and friend of the Yoruba people and I pray to God to grant everyone of us the fortitude to bear this loss.
“While we submit to the will of Almighty God, who retains the right over the lives of every mortal, we are convinced that the values and ideals that Odumakin fought for in his lifetime have not died with him.”
Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, described the news of his passing as tragic and deeply devastating.
Fayemi in a statement said the Yoruba and indeed Nigeria have lost a truly patriotic citizen, a fearless activist who consistently spoke truth to power, and a man of the people who championed the cause of his people till he breathed his last.
He described the death of the Afenifere spokesperson as a personal loss to him, having had a long standing working relationship with the deceased and his spouse, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin since the period of the pro-democracy struggle in the nineties.
“This is a very sad day. The Yoruba and indeed Nigeria have lost an illustrious son, a voice for the voiceless, a fearless and dogged fighter, and a leader who loved and served his people passionately. For me, Yinka’s death is a personal loss. He was not just my comrade in the democratic struggle, he was a brother and friend. He was firm in his conviction, focused and progressive-minded. Even when we disagreed, he was never disagreeable.”, Dr. Fayemi said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe, his widow, members of his immediate family, associates, and the leadership of Afenifere, at this trying period. We pray that God grants him eternal rest and gives the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”, Dr. Fayemi added.
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