I received with great shock, and unimaginable sadness, the news, on Saturday, 3 April, 2021, of the demise of Mr. Yinka Odumakin, Publicity Secretary of foremost Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere.
Odumakin, prominent rights activist and conscience of the nation, was one man whose desire and pursuit for a just and egalitarian society was top-notch, and who in the defence of this cause, had suffered great harm, criticisms and even derision, without batting an eyelid. To him, the greater good was the welfare and emancipation of the people.
As one whom I knew personally, having been comrades together during the heady days of military rule, and the ensuing struggle for the enthronement of democratic rule, under the aegis of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), I can confirm, without a shadow of doubt, that Odumakin was reliable and responsible, one who epitomised the core Yoruba character of Ọmọluabi.
His demise, unfortunately, can only be likened to that of a blossoming flower, plucked in its prime.
I, therefore, express my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Dr. Joe Okei, children, family, and the entire Yoruba nation, particularly Afenifere, whom he graciously served for the last two decades, on this very painful loss, praying the Almighty to grant the repose of the soul of our dear departed, and grant us all, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
May the soul of Mr. Yinka Odumakin find favour with his maker.
