Lagos State Government, Tuesday, mourned the death of Mr. Yinka Odumakin, a renowned human rights activist and the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba Socio-political organization, Afenifere.
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, described the death of the late human rights activist as very shocking and an irreparable loss to the nation.
Odumakin passed away on Saturday at the age of 56. He was reported to have died of COVID-19 complications at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Hamzat, alongside the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, and some top government officials visited the Omole home of the Odunmakins on behalf of the state government, Tuesday.
Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, the wife of the deceased and a human rights activist, hosted the delegation of the state government.
Speaking during the condolence visit, Hamzat described the late Afenifere spokesman as a patriotic and genuine Nigerian, who fought for the good cause of the Southwest and Nigeria at large.
The deputy governor also commiserated with the wife of the deceased and the aged parents of the deceased, praying that God will give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
According to him, the demise of Odumakin, is a great loss to the family and Nigeria, as he would be greatly missed.
The deputy Governor also used the medium to appeal to the general public to observe the laid down protocols of COVID-19, adding that the deadly virus is still much in Nigeria.
In his words, “Yinka was a true Nigerian, patriotic and genuine. He will be missed greatly. May the good Lord grant him eternal rest.”
Odumakin has been widely credited for the prominent role he played in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that fought the military regime in the country following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won by Chief M.K.O Abiola.
NADECO was formed in May 15, 1994, by a broad coalition of Nigerian democrats who fought the military government of Sani Abacha, after the annulment.
Odumakin was also one of the spokespersons of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF), the body representing ethnic nationalities in the South-West, South-South, South-East and the Middle Belt.
He was also well known for his ‘Candid Notes’ column in the Vanguard, every Tuesday which addresses trending national issues.
The last publication of his ‘Candid Notes’ was on March 9, titled, “Decoding ‘no flight zone’ over Zamfara.”
