Shocked and Saddened: Fayose, Keyamo, other Prominent Nigerians Mourn Odumakin, Pen Touching Messages
- A number of Nigerians have expressed shock over the death of Yinka Odumakin
- Labour minister, Festus Keyamo, said the deceased has been his long-time friend and it's like a personal loss to him
- Ex-governor Ayodele Fayose said the late Afenifere spokesman will be remembered for the undiluted love he had for the Yoruba race
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The news of human rights activist Yinka Odumakin's death surfaced on Saturday, April 3, to the surprise of many Nigerians.
Odumakin who was the spokesman of the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, died of COVID-19.
His wife, Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin, who confirmed the news, said he fought hard at the intensive care unit, but unfortunately lost the battle.
The activist's death has been trailed by reactions and as of the time of this report, he is trending at number 1 on Twitter.
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Painful tears: My love is gone, pray for me to survive this, Odumakin cries as husband dies
Source: Twitter
Nigerians' reactions
The minister of state for labour, Festus Keyamo, said Odumakin's death is a personal loss to him.
Expressing his deepest condolences to the wife and family, he wrote:
"Himself & the wife, Joe, have been my long-time friends & allies. I knew them separately before they met & got married. I just called the wife’s line & they’re still at the hospital."
Omoyele Sowore, a presidential candidate during the 2019 general elections, said death is a necessary end.
Femi Fani-Kayode expressed sadness, describing the deceased as a great warrior.
An Ondo lawmaker, Biola Makinde described the news as shocking. He wrote on Twitter:
"I received with shock and grief, the news of the sudden demise of Yinka Odumakin. He was a human activist per excellence. He fought tirelessly for the restoration of democracy and fought for its sustenance.
"On behalf of the people of Ondo East/West, I sympathise with his family."
A former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, said Odumakin was a man who stood for justice and fairness.
"Shocked and saddened but with total submission to the will of God. Yinka Odumakin lived a life of justice, fighting for justice and equity for all.
"He was a man in total defense of justice and fairness for all. He had a life well spent, not how far, but how well."
As for Tolu’ A. Akinyemi, Nigeria has lost a voice of reason.
Nwaego Prince said the death of the activist should serve as a lesson to politicians who think they are bigger than death.
Critic of the present government
Odumakin will be remembered as a man who stood for what he believed him in. Until his death, he was one of the strongest critics of the Buhari-led government.
He recently warned the federal government against arresting Sunday Igboho who issued a quit notice to the Fulani herders in Ibarapa Oyo state.
In January, he condemned some All Progressives Congress governors who accompanied President Buhari to Daura to revalidate his membership of the party.
He said the governors merely displayed what it described as their idleness by embarking on the visit.
Source: Legit.ng
