My husband did more in his lifetime than many granted longevity, says Okei-Odumakin

Joe Okei-Odumakin, president of Women Arise, says Yinka Odumakin, her late husband and former national publicity secretary of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, had a lot of “unfinished business” before his passage.

On April 2, 2021, Odumakin died of COVID-19 complications at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Speaking in a chat with TheCable on Monday, Okei-Odumakin said while her husband died at the age of 54, he made more impact than many people who were granted longevity.

“I believe he was a fulfilled person in the sense that no one could have all their dreams concluded before departure,” she said.

“But he did much more than many who were granted longevity. He had a lot of unfinished business. One example is fatherhood. He didn’t finish that and we miss him in that office. The children and I. There are many more but he had a dazzling run. We are grateful.

“There are many fond memories about him. But his dedication to causes and persons was strong. He was dedicated to us. That is unforgettable.”

She said works are ongoing on the Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation (OOF) which was established in memory of her late husband.

“We are currently laying the foundation. We must lay the foundation firmly and then begin to build. We will get there,” she added.

Okei-Odumakin also commended students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for organising events for the third anniversary of Odumakin’s death.

She said the honour by the students is befitting as the late Odumakin began his activism as a student of OAU.

“It is gratifying. He began his activism right there. So it is befitting. You know, young people defy certain societal restraints which make older people forget the dead very easily. Isn’t it amazing?”.