All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has hailed late Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, as a dogged fighter of justice and rule of law.
He said the story of Nigeria’s democracy will not be complete without Odumakin’s mention.
Tinubu, in a statement on Saturday titled: “Tinubu condoles with the family of Yinka Odumakin,” said: “In the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the perpetuation of military dictatorship, Odumakin was never found wanting.
“He was at the vanguard of the battle even at the risk of his life and liberty. It is impossible to credibly tell the story of the emergence of the democracy we enjoy in this dispensation today without emblazoning Odumakin’s name in gold.
“He was a doughty fighter for freedom and the rule of law. He was rock solid in his commitment to Afenifere, the Yoruba people and the several other civil society groups in which he played active roles.”
Tinubu described Odumakin as a sincere man who always put Nigeria first despite their political differences.
According to him: “In the course of the last two and a half decades, Odumakin and I had cause to collaborate in various organisations and in pursuit of different political causes at different times and I can testify to his capacity for hard work, his brilliance, his tenacity in his loyalty to his cherished principles.
“Even if we differed politically, I had no cause to doubt his sincerity in charting his chosen path. He will forever remain a model of what a citizen who places the good of his country above his personal interest could be.”
Tinubu noted that ever since his student days, Odumakin had been fearless and unrelenting in speaking up in promoting the cause of justice and what he perceived as the best interest of the citizens of Nigeria which had seen him get arrested in the past.
He said although Odumakin never held public office, he was a constant feature and part of Nigeria’s public consciousness over the last two decades of this unbroken democratic dispensation.
Also, the Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola has commiserated with the Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, over the demise of its spokesperson, Yinka Odumakin, who died in the early hours of Saturday.
He described Odumakin’s death as a great loss to Yorubaland and the nation at large, noting that his contributions to the enthronement and growth of democracy in Nigeria would not be forgotten.
Oyetola in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, also condoled the wife of the deceased, Dr. Joe Odumakin, his children and the entire family.
According to the Governor, the late activist was an advocate of justice, fairness, good governance and a better Nigeria.
He said: “On behalf of the Government and good people of the State of Osun, I commiserate with the Afenifere Group over the demise of Yinka Odumakin. I also condole his wife, Dr. Joe, his children and the entire Odumakin family over this tragic occurrence.
“The death of Yinka Odumakin is a great loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. His contributions to the enthronement and growth of democracy in the country will never be forgotten.
“It is my prayer that God Almighty will comfort his family and loved ones and grant his soul eternal rest.”