Odumakin: Yoruba lost a gem, gifted soul, dependable ally — Gani Adams

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, on Saturday said that the death of Yinka Odumakin, Spokesman of Pan Yoruba Socio-Cultural group, Afenifere, depleted Yoruba gems, gifted souls and dependable allies.

Gani, in a statement in Lagos by his Media Aide, Kehinde Aderemi, described Odumakin’s demise on Saturday as one death too many.

Adams said he received the news of the Odumakin’s death with shock and trepidations, describing it as a big loss to the Yoruba nation.

“Death has dealt the Yoruba nation a big blow, leaving in its wake, sad memories of the loss of a brother, a friend and dependable ally,” Gani said.

He described the late Odumakin as a true Yoruba son, a committed fellow, and the voice of the people, especially, the downtrodden.

“We will all miss his voice. We will miss his commitment, we will miss is bravery because the late Yinka Odumakin’s fearless image loomed larger than what we can easily forget in a hurry.

“He was a phenomenon that spoke truth to power. He cut a picture of an all-rounder, a media personage, an analyst and public commentator that had warmed himself to the hearts of many people.

“His exit had left a big vacuum in the social and political space and Nigerians will always remember him for who he was, because in his life, the late Odumakin was truly one of the few gifted soul of our race.

“The extent of the shocking news for me has been inexplicable. It will take a very long time for me to accept the realities of his death,” the Aare said.

Gani said that late Odumakin and himself were in the struggle together, saying that they both shared so many memories together.

He said: “I am very close to the family. So, for me, it was a personal loss and I wish my sister, his wife, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin and the deceased relatives well, especially at this trying moments.

“For the Yoruba nation, and Afenifere as a whole, Odumakin’s imprints will always be in the book of history.

“As much as his death was so rude and shocking, we are consoled that the man died, though, very young, he will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the development of Nigeria and the Yoruba nation in particular.”

The late political activist and spokesman of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, reportedly died of complications from COVID-19 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja,aged 56. (NAN)