…..Buhari, Akeredolu, Mimiko react.
Press Release.
A PART OF ME IS GONE!
With gratitude to the Supreme Being for a life well spent, I announce the passing on of my beloved husband, Comrade Yinka Odumakin to the great beyond after a brief illness.
The sad event happened this morning (Saturday, 3/4/2021) at the intensive care unit of LASUTH where he was being managed for respiratory issues due to complications from COVID-19 which he had recovered from about a week ago.
I appreciate the outpouring of grief and sympathy from home and abroad as I mourn my irreplaceable soulmate.
I urge us all to remain steadfast in the cause of the masses to which he dedicated his life.
Burial arrangement will be made public in due course.
Signed.
Dr. Joe Okei Odumakin.
(Wife of the Deceased).
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS AFENIFERE SPOKESMAN, YINKA ODUMAKIN
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.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
April 3, 2021
Press Statement
Yinka Odumakin Was A Nationalist, Gave His All- Akeredolu
It saddens us as Government and people of Ondo State to be faced with the reality of the demise of Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin. It is heart-aching; it’s one death with many losses to our people.
He was a true Nationalist who placed Yoruba Race on a pedestal of honour and high regards and quite fearlessly, gave all in his passion-filled struggle for a virile and peaceful Nigeria with fairness, justice, equity and freedom as his beacons.
His roles in the enthronement of popular democracy as well as his fiery advocacy for the Rule of Law remain undoubtedly legendary. We recall his fiery beginning in the struggle as the Publicity Secretary of Obafemi Awolowo University Student Union where he discharged his duties creditably.
He represented a memorable era having participated actively in the passion and action for a better Nigeria in his lifetime. Those left behind will find great inspiration in Yinka’s legacies to continue with the struggle.
To his immediate family, Yinka created an irreplaceable vacuum; he indeed left an open wound of scary spots for his colleagues with whom shared moments were always with eyes on a United Nigeria of Justice for all. Even those who had reasons to disagree with Yinka on issues will feel the absence of intellectual engagements. Countless losses, indeed.
Along the trajectory of the path to service, Yinka defied his age, incurably in quest for knowledge and more wisdom from older generations to enrich and equip himself. The entire Yoruba race has lost an enigma in pursuit of a just society.
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN on behalf of his family, Government and the good people of Ondo State, expresses his deep and heartfelt condolences to Yinka’s wife, Joe, family, friends, associates and acquaintances over this untimely death. This is a personal loss.
Our collective strength remains the unshakable faith in God to Whom we are all indebted. He giveth and taketh; His actions, inactions only confirm and give credence to His infallibility. He is the Unquestionable.
Thus, notwithstanding the pains, ours is to pray that our departed brother, colleague and associate finds comfort in the bosom of his creator until the resurrection day.
Signed:
Donald Ojogo
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ondo State
April 3, 2021
Odumakin: Mimiko Commiserates with Afenifere, Says Nigeria has lost a True Patriot
Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has commiserated with the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere and the Odumakin family over the demise of the spokesperson of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, who died on Saturday.
Mimiko, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, John Paul Akinduro, said Nigeria has lost a prominent voice in the fight for true federalism and unity of the nation.
According to him “Yinka was a quintessential Nigerian who epitomised noble and progressive activist ethos. His undying passion for the Nigerian project was palpable right from his days as a student union activist.”
Mimiko also described the late Afenifere spokesperson as “a progressive activist and democrat whose struggle for Nigeria’s return to democracy cannot be quantified.
He was one of the leading voices that fought successive military regimes to enthrone democratic governance.
“Though his death is a painful and personal loss, I urge all to seek solace in the fact that Yinka lived a remarkable life. He was a true patriot, selfless leader and a lover of the masses.” Mimiko said.
The former Governor prayed for strength for his darling wife, Joe and the family to bear the irreplaceable loss.
