Osun govt formally receives Odumakin’s corpse for final burial

… Nigeria has lost a committed patriot, fearless activist, says Oyetola

As the remains of the spokesman of Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, the late Yinka Odumakin, were formally received on Friday by the Osun government, the State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has described the deceased as a committed patriot who lived all his life to serve God and humanity.

The public analyst, activist and politician died on the of 3rd of April, 2021 of complications from Coronavirus disease at the Intensive Care Unit, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos State.

Receiving the corpse from the family, friends and associates of the deceased who came to Osun from Lagos, at Asejire, Irewole Local Government Area of the State, Governor Oyetola acknowledged the selfless service rendered by the late Odumakin towards the emancipation of the Yoruba nation and the Nigerian people.

Oyetola, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles Akinola, and some members of the State Executive Council, expressed sadness over the death of the departed soul.

“Governor Oyetola has sent us here to express his deepest condolences to the family of the illustrious son of our dear State, Mr. Yinka Odumakin. The deceased was not only a national icon, but also one of the most revered sons of our dear State that we are very proud of. That is why Mr. Governor has sent us here. As you can see, about twelve cabinet members are here.

“Odumakin stands for equity, justice and fairness and the epitome of Omoluabi ethos which our statte and our Administration stand for. In the last one year, he came to visit Mr. Governor and offered some pieces of advice just as Mr. Governor did the same to him.

“Yinka Odumakin lived a life of service, a life of selflessness. He was very committed to this country and the Yoruba nation.

“We pray that the deceased would continue to live in the ideals that he stood for. In other words, Yinka Odumakin would continue to live in each and everyone here for what we will remember him for. He was such a noble son of this State.

“We mourn his demise. Mr. Governor extends his condolences to the family he left behind, particularly his wife, Dr. Joe Odumakin, the people of Moro, the people of this State and of course Nigerians in general,” he added.

Addressing journalists at the residence of the deceased at Moro, Ife-North Local Government Area, the wife of the deceased, Dr. Joe Odumakin, commended the State government for the immeasurable hands of fellowship and support given to the family.

She acknowledged the warmth reception given to the family by the State government and the good people of the State, just as she said her late husband dedicated all his life to the struggle of a better Nigeria even right from his university days.

According to her, the late Odumakin had always displayed uncommon courage and he was for a non-corrupt society.

“He was against massive killings; he was for true federalism and restructured Nigeria. He was for a Nigeria that works for everyone. He was for protection of human rights, and he was interested in doing things right.

“Although it is a very difficult task for me to speak about this Comrade and start using past tense after knowing him about three decades, but one thing is certain: his ideals which I know will continue to live forever.

“All had been left in the sand of time, but I want to say that what he stood and died for will never die. And the moment his physical body will be interred, we want to plead that people should rededicate their lives to a better Nigeria, to a race that works.

“I want to tell you that right from time, as at the time the physiotherapist told him his breath was low, even in the ambulance, he was still there as a prolific writer writing his articles.

“As a committed patriot dishing out leaflets, he was also there putting up different releases, and he said he would  tell the story at the right time.

“I know he is no longer with us, but he will never die as his legacies will live on,” the widow stated.

Members of the government delegation at the event were Head of Service, Dr. Olowogboyega Oyebade; Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Ismail Omipidan; Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr. Lekan Badmus; Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-governmental Relations, Comrade Taiwo Akeju; Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Siji Olamijulo; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Tajudeen Olaniyi Lawal.

Others were Field Commander, Amotekun, Comrade Amitolu Shittu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mrs. Abiodun Ige; Special Adviser to the Governor on General Administration, Mr. Niyi Idowu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Science, Innovation and Technology, Mr. Kareem Ismail Akande; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs and Social Mobilisation, Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji, among others.