The Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that with the passing of Yinka Odumakin, Nigeria and Osun, has lost a fearless fighter and a crusader of a new Nigeria.
The governor said this while extolling the virtues of the late Odumakin whose remains were laid to rest on Saturday in Moro, his country home.
Oyetola noted that the deceased left behind a legacy of inspirational service, fierce loyalty to the Yoruba race and relentless contributions to the quest for a greater nation.
This is even as the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and his Oyo State Counterpart, Mr. Seyi Makinde, leader, Afenifere Yoruba group, Ayo Adebanjo and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, eulogized the deceased.
Addressing the people at the funeral service organised in honour of the deceased, Governor Oyetola said Odumakin’s trajectory through life, whether as an impressionable undergraduate activist in Ife, a purposeful columnist, a fiery anti-dictatorship combatant, a vociferous Afenifere scribe, or his political involvement, reads like a profile in courage.
Oyetola further stated: “He did not live a wasted life. He was an illustrious son of Osun and a man of deep conviction who constantly fought for what is right, just, and equitable.
“He simply lived for the people. He was a phenomenal leader, who, without holding public office, impacted us in unique ways.
“However, we must not sorrow like those who do not have hope. We must find comfort in the truly phenomenal life he lived. We should rejoice, knowing Odunmakin has left for a better place.
“He has left for us on this side of humanity a legacy of inspirational service, fierce loyalty to the Yoruba race and relentless contributions to the quest for a greater nation.
“We are indeed grateful for his life. It is our fervent prayer that the good Lord grant his dearly-beloved family and all of us the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”