From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu has mourned the sudden demise of the Publicity Secretary of the pan Yoruba Socio cultural organization, Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin, describing his death as the end of an era.
The Governor in a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo said “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.
Akeredolu said “Odumakin 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 students 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.
“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,” he added.