Osun, Oyo, Ekiti govs honour Odumakin at funeral service
Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
As the late Yinka Odumakin was laid to rest on Saturday in Osun State, several Nigerians, including the governors of Osun, Oyo and Ekiti have portrayed the late Spokesman of Afenifere as a democrat to the core who was passionate about the progress and development of the nation Nigeria.
The late activist was described as a firm believer in the emancipation of his people who tirelessly and fearlessly fought for a restructured Nigeria.
The funeral service was held on Saturday, April 24th, 2021 at Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro, Osun State after which friends and family proceeded to his residence in Moro for internment.
The deceased’s wife, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin said her husband spent his last oxygen on the progress of Nigeria.
In her words, “Yinka spoke for the Afenifere and Nigeria, telling the whole world that true federalism matters by restructuring the physical.
“He told me, he will come back to write his story himself. His ideals and legacy will continue to live forever. He was a great fighter for a Nigeria that works for its citizens. He worked for a restructured Nigeria where there would be quality, where lives will not be wasted, a Nigeria where people will be respected irrespective of their age and ethnicity.”
Speaking, Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola said Odumakin was a man who impacted humanity in diverse ways.
Noting that Nigerians must find joy in the legacy the deceased left behind, Oyetola said, “We must rejoice that he did not live a wasted life. He imparted us in unique ways as an activist and active columnist. He came, he saw, and he conquered.”
On his part, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi said, “Yinka was a fighter and a democrat to the core. He was unapologetic about his pursuit of restructuring.”
Fayemi who doubles as the chairman of the Governor’s forum said, “We will continue to pursue those things Yinka pursued laboriously until we have a Nigeria that serves all Nigerians.”
Also speaking, Oyo State Government, Engineer Seyi Makinde said, “It is not how long but how well we live. We are all here today to give honour to whom honour is due even in death. A life lived with integrity, commitment to one’s ideal, even though that life may not have the trappings of Fortune or fame will be a shining star to light the path of others that are coming behind. That is what Yinka did for this generation.
“His ideals, struggles, will forever light the path for us until we get the type of country that we deserve which Yinka and others laboured for.”
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, portrayed Odumakin as an unforgettable personality who worked tirelessly for Oduduwa, adding that, “For us in Ife, we will rather celebrate you. You are not dead because you cannot be dead in our hearts.”
The Ooni who was represented by Soko Kemade Elagbaju said, “While some have chosen to mourn your demise, the exalted throne of Oduduwa has opted to celebrate you my dear Peter Olayinka Odumakin. In death, as in life, you remain an unforgettable national personality who is so dear to us. Attestation of this consists in the heavy outpouring of grief across the nation at your sudden departure. You are not dead because you can not be dead in our hearts.
“You were not only a worthy son of the House of Oduduwa. You lived Oduduwa land. You breathe Oduduwa. You worked tirelessly for Oduduwa. Your insightfully penetrative perspective on the Yoruba cause is uncommon. Neither is your incisively biting criticism of our steps, delivered impassionately.”
Meanwhile, as a token from the Ooni, the former Ife-Moro road has been renamed after the deceased activist which according to the monarch will now be “known officially as Olayinka Odumakin Boulevard.”
While paying tribute to the deceased, the leader of Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo said Yinka was a rare gem whose type is not common among this generation, maintaining that he had always been consistently consistent.
In his words, “Yinka, right from his young days, was consistently consistent, fighting for his people among all odds and enchantments.
“He was a fearless fighter, courageous, selfless, tireless, and a twenty-four/7 activist. Yinka lived a short life but a long life that will never be forgotten. Afenifere is mourning our indefatigable spokesperson, a fearless writer.
“Yinka’s qualities are rare among this generation. I recognise Yinka unapologetically for fighting against Fulani imperialism. What he stood for will continue to reverberate forever.”
Noting that Yinka was passionate about a restructured Nigeria, the Afenifere leader said, “President Buhari is the greatest enemy of Nigeria if he keeps delaying restructuring. We are not saying the Fulanis should go but the herdsmen who are raping our women. We want the criminals among them to go. Those are the things that Yinka fought for.”
In his sermon, National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, averred that we need the fear of God for a better Nigeria.
According to the Bishop, “A politician with the fear of God would not convert the money meant for the people but use the resources to make their lives better. With the fear of God, no one would carry AK-47 and kill his fellow human.”
He further expressed that “Yinka used his lifetime to serve God and humanity. Before death came calling, he called on the Saviour at the most critical point of his life. Without Christ, there is no hope of glory.”
Some of the other dignitaries in attendance were: Osun State First Lady, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, Osun Deputy Gov. Mr Benedict Alabi, Former Ondo State Governor, Dr Segun Mimiko, Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Dr Adejare Bello, Secretary to State Government of Osun, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, and the field commander Amotekun in Osun, Comrade Amitolu Shittu.
Osun All Progressive Chairman (APC), Prince Gboyega Famodun; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun, Mr Niyi Owolade.
Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers were not left out such as Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Pastor Tony Okei, Pastor Toba Ogunyemi, the Aare Ona-kakanfo of Yoruba land, Mr Gani Adams, Olumoro of Moro Land. Oba (Dr) Ezekiel Oyeniyi.
