‘We lost a gem’ — politicians, activists pay tribute to Yinka Odumakin

Tributes have continued to pour in for Yinka Odumakin, the national publicity secretary of Afenifere who died in the early hours of Saturday.

Odumakin died of COVID-19 complications at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Joe Okei-Odumakin, his wife, said her husband recovered from COVID-19 a week ago before his death.

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

He was once a spokesman of President Muhammadu Buhari but he later turned to a critic of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

MAKINDE: TRUE FIGHTER OF YORUBA CAUSE

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, described Odumakin 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.

The governor, in a press statement signed by Bayo Adisa, his chief press secretary, said Odumakin’s death has created a huge vacuum in Yorubaland and Nigeria.

“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,” he said.

ADAMS: BIG LOSS TO YORUBA NATION

Gani Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, described his death as a big loss to the Yoruba nation.

Kehinde Aderemi, special assistant on media to Adams, said the vacuum created will be difficult to fill.

He said: “We’ll all miss his voice. We’ll miss his commitment, we’ll miss his bravery because the late Yinka Odumakin’s fearless image loomed larger than what we can easily forget in a hurry.

“The death of the late Afenifere publicity scribe was a big loss to the Yoruba nation. The death has dealt the Yoruba nation a big blow, leaving in its wake, sad memories of the loss of a brother, a friend and dependable ally.

“He was a phenomenon that spoke truth to power. He cut a picture of an all-rounder, a media personage, an analyst and public commentator that had warmed himself to the hearts of many people.”

‘A GEM IS LOST’

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) referred to Odumakin as an “outspoken leader in the struggle for the masses”.

Alex Omotehinse, CHSR president, said: “The human rights society will miss him (Yinka Odumakin). We just lost a gem, so sad.

“Yinka has been on the side of the people from day one, right from his school days, during the June 12 struggles up to his death.

“Yinka remained steadfast in advocating for the right of the masses and the press. Human rights society will miss him, the political gatherings and Afenifere will miss him.

“Everybody will miss Yinka. Yinka was a very nice, outspoken leader in the struggle for the masses.”

FAYOSE, SOWORE, SHEHU SANI PAY TRIBUTES

Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti, said Odumakin was constantly fighting for justice and equity for all.

“He was a man in total defense of justice and fairness for all. He had a life well spent, not how far, but how well,” he tweeted.

Shehu Sani, a former senator, said Odumakin was a “dogged fighter” and a distinguished journalist.

“We lost an indomitable & irrepressible voice for justice,” he added.

Shocked and saddened but with total submission to the will of God. Yinka Odumakin lived a life of justice,  fighting for justice and equity for all. 
He was a man in total defense of justice and fairness for all. He had a life well spent,  not how far,  but how well.

— Peter Ayodele Fayose (@GovAyoFayose) April 3, 2021

Just confirmed from JK Agbaje that we've lost Egbon Yinka Odumakin – a sad loss not just for the Yorubas but also the Nigerian polity.

Egbon exemplified the truth of being a good ethnic person in order to be a great National figure in the context of Nigeria's configuration.

— 'Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) April 3, 2021

Death is a necessary end! Sad to announce this passing of a friend and fighter, Yinka Odumakin. Rest in Power, Senior Comrade! pic.twitter.com/ubasBReDuP

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) April 3, 2021

Death is not when you can no longer breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbondioxide, death is when you cannot speak in the face of injustice & tyranny because you are afraid to die.
You live on Yinka Odumakin!
May God give your family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/L4N9lTS2Hh

— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) April 3, 2021

Rest in peace Yinka Odumakin. Love and prayers of strength to his family, friends and comrades. pic.twitter.com/ZehFaeaihp

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) April 3, 2021

Yinka Odumakin;It’s unusual for me to send a message to comrade Yinka without a response.That happened just yesterday.A principled activist,a dogged fighter and a distinguished Journalist he was.We lost an indomitable & irrepressible voice for justice.May his soul Rest In Peace.

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) April 3, 2021

Rest in peace Comrade Yinka Odumakin. You followed the path you believed with courage and tenacity. As an activist, you were never afraid of speaking truth to power. Your role as the spokesman of Afenefere will not be forgotten.

My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin. pic.twitter.com/dFygl07GsZ

— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) April 3, 2021