Echoes of restructuring, good governance pulsating as nation bids Odumakin farewell

As the Yoruba Nation and indeed other nationalities converged on Osun State yesterday to pay the last respect to late activist and human rights crusader, Yinka Odumakin, before committing him to mother earth, there were renewed calls for good governance and restructuring of the country, two ideals the deceased fought for till he breathed his last.

The funeral programme for the departed National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, which was held in his hometown, Mooro, Ife North council of Osun State, witnessed an outpouring of tributes. The event commenced at about 9.30 a.m with the wife of the deceased, Dr. Joe, leading the pallbearers into Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Mooro, venue of the event.

In his speech, Governor Oyetola said Odumakin did not hold any public office but impacted humanity in unique ways, adding that the deceased left “a legacy of inspirational service, fierce loyalty to the Yoruba race and relentless contributions to the quest for a greater nation.

Governor Fayemi of Ekiti State described Odumakin as a fighter and democrat to the core. “Yinka was a fighter. He was unapologetic about his pursuit of restructuring. We will continue to pursue those things Yinka pursued laboriously until we have a Nigeria that serves all Nigerians. We must not succumb to agitation for secession.”

Fayemi noted that Odumakin was unapologetic to the Yoruba nation’s agenda and was not a secessionist. He said the deceased always cleared the path to progress and made a great impact on the progress and development of the country.

“Yinka’s departure has given a great legacy, the legacy of speaking truth and of the unrelenting campaign for the restructuring of our country. As we all know, this country needs rescue from the evil merchants who want to drag it down. That is what our brother stood for all his life right from his days at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde said Odumakin’s ideals and struggles would forever light people’s path until a Nigeria that all deserve is achieved. “Odumakin’s ideals and struggles will forever light the path for us until we get the type of country that we deserve which Yinka and others laboured for,” he said.

In his remarks, the National Leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo said that President Muhammadu Buhari appears to be the number one personality delaying the restructuring of the country.

Adebanjo, however, reiterated that Afenifere was a committed block to Nigeria’s unity and a friend to President Buhari, saying that the call for restructuring by the group was for Nigeria’s progress and development.

Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has named Ife-Moro road after the late activist.

Oba Ogunwusi, who was represented by Chief Kemade Elugbade at the funeral service, described the human rights activist as an unforgettable nationalist, patriotic descendant of Oduduwa, and a positive factor in Nigeria’s democracy. “He was a disciplined Yoruba leader who has been one of the loudest pro-democracy voices in the country,” Ooni added.

For the deceased’s wife, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Nigerians owe the late activist a duty of ensuring that the country is restructured. While revealing how Odumakin was hospitalised and received oxygen for 24 days, the widow said he was still fighting for Nigeria even while receiving treatment.

“We all owe him a duty to rededicate ourselves for a Nigeria that works, for a restructured Nigeria, a Nigeria where there is equality, a Nigeria where life can’t be wasted, a Nigeria where people will be respected irrespective of their age, colour, and tribe,” Joe said.

In his homily at the funeral service, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke of Christ Life Church worldwide, said it was comforting to discover that Odumakin’s last words were “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!”

Oke admonished politicians to have fear of God, adding, “Yinka used his life to serve God and humanity.”

Dignitaries in attendance at the funeral were Osun Governor’s wife, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, Osun Deputy Gov, Mr Benedict Alabi, former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Dr Adejare Bello; Secretary to Osun State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; Comrade Amitolu Shittu; Chairman of Osun All Progressive (APC), Prince Gboyega Famodun; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun, Mr Niyi Owolade, and the Aare Ona-kankanfo of Yoruba land, Mr Gani Adams.

Others included Oba of Moro Land, former speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adejare Bello; Comrade Waheed Lawal, members of the Afenifere Yoruba group; human rights activists; members of the Civil Society Organisations; traditional rulers; top government functionaries and politicians, among others