Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin is dead

The national publicity secretary for the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, is dead.

Mr Odumakin, a public analyst, activist and politician, reportedly died in Lagos on Saturday morning.

A family source revealed that he died from COVID-19 complications at the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he has been for a week.

The deceased was said to have been moved to LASUTH from the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, when his condition deteriorated.

Yinka Odumakin played a key role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that fought the regime of General Sani Abacha after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.

Mr Odumakin’s death had long battled diabetes and survived diabetic-related complications many times in the past.

According to one of his associates, Mr Odumakin had in the last two weeks told journalists that he would not be able to pick his calls due to failing health, and introduced an associate to be in charge of his official communications.

Also, about a month ago, Mr Odumakin fell critically ill during a visit to the Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola. The government promptly responded by offering him emergency medical care.

The late Yinka Odumakin immediately returned to Lagos after he was stabilised by some medical officials.

He was also one of the spokespersons of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF), the body representing ethnic nationalities in the South-West, South-South, South-East and the Middle Belt.

Yinka Odumakin, who was married to another activist, Dr. Joe Odumakin, has been one of the strongest critics of the present government.

He consistently took on the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over alleged impartiality and favouritism in appointment into various offices.

His voice was also very loud in condemning the activities of some killer herdsmen in Yorubaland.

He recently warned the Federal Government against arresting Sunday Igboho who recently issued a quit notice to the Fulani herders in Ibarapa Oyo State and subsequently ejected the Sarkin Fulani in Igangan.