He wasn’t just an activist, but a pan-Nigerian who desired that the sleeping giant called Nigeria would wake up one day to take its place among the comity of nations. Such were his hopes and aspirations until death came calling four years ago. His legacies, however, have never dwindled in the minds of Nigerians since then; SUNNY IDACHABA writes.
Peter Oluyinka Odumakin, popularly known as Yinka Odumakin, who died in 2021, was, until his death, the spokesperson of the pan Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere. Aside from that, he was a human rights activist and politician even though he never really occupied any political office throughout his lifetime; he worked closely with politicians at some points.
For instance, he was the spokesman to Muhammadu Buhari when the latter contested for the Presidential Election under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011. Also, in 2014, during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Yinka and his wife, Joe-Okey, were the only couple that represented different interest groups among the 492-member 2014 National Conference.
It was his activism that brought him and his wife together in a detention facility at Alagbon. This was after Joe-Okey, also an activist, was transferred from Ilorin Prison to Alagbon due to her involvement in a pro-democracy campaign.
In the dark days of military rule, precisely under the late Gen. Sani Abacha, he was among other eminent Nigerians that formed NADECO (National Democratic Coalition) alongside persons from different parts of the country which was at the forefront in the fight to restore democracy in the country.
He was a strong advocate for democratic principles, rule of law and good governance in the country as he fought tirelessly for marginalised communities, and was vocal against oppression, injustice and corruption.
While alive, he was known for speaking out against authoritarianism and abuse of power even at his own personal risk and intimidation.
He mentored many young activists and journalists, built coalitions and alliances among civil society groups, political parties and ethnic organisations with a view to promoting democracy and human rights.
This late former spokesperson of Afenifere was a proud promoter of Yoruba culture and identity as he worked towards promoting and preserving the language, its traditions and values.
Reacting to his sudden death, a Vanguard editorial with the title, ‘Yinka Odumakin: A life of critical activism’ noted that shock and an outpouring of grief were the immediate responses of many Nigerians to the death of the comrade.
“Since his death was announced, there has been a torrent of tributes from different parts of the country. From President Muhammadu Buhari to former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, to various state governors, other prominent political and opinion leaders across the country, the verdict remains the same: his death is a tragic blow, a sad loss to the country.”
According to the paper, he had variously been described by friends and foes alike as a great patriot and nationalist, with many expressing regret that Covid-19 had unfairly robbed the country of his highly valued contributions and services at a time they are most needed.
“He was an unrepentant critic of a troubled Nigeria and the leadership responsible for this sad state of affairs. Comrade Yinka was for many years in the forefront of agitations to correct the many structural anomalies inherent in the country, leaving it almost prostrate and in danger of collapsing on itself.”
The paper noted that as a ready mouthpiece of Afenifere, he was never afraid to step on sensitive toes of those in authority for failing to respond appropriately to many leadership problems confronting Nigeria.
“Until his death, he was a vibrant and relentless voice on the need to restructure the country so that it can find its bearing among the comity of nations that are developing at a rapid pace while Nigeria lags behind.
“He never missed the opportunity to bare his mind on sundry issues bordering on politics, power and the economy. In the process, he kept government and public office holders constantly on their toes, hoping to get them to do the right things for the country.”
While mourning the comrade, former aviation minister Mr. Fani-Kayode described him as one of the brightest and the best.
“He was a great warrior who feared nothing and who stood for truth and justice right to the end. The South-west and indeed Nigeria has lost one of its greatest sons and brightest stars.
“Those of us who had the honour of being called your brother and who stood by you shoulder to shoulder through the most trying times for our people and the bitterest battles for the emancipation of our nation shall miss you dearly. You were a Spartan and a Roman all rolled into one in every sense of the word.
“A great son of the west who inspired millions, who made us proud of who we are and what we stand for, who humbled our collective adversaries and who harboured no fear. Your legacies are truly blessed and wrapped in glory and shall surely endure.
“The whole of Nigeria mourns you brother. You fought a good fight, you held the line, you stayed the course and now it is time for you to rest.”
According to Jimi Agbaje, a long-standing friend of the late comrade, “Yinka could not have died now. That was not the plan. Yinka had only achieved 1% of what he planned to do. It explains why he was always focused on what he considered important and why he refused to take a break. He never took credit for anything because, in his own thinking, a lot was still left to be done.
“Since his demise, I have had an avalanche of commiserations from those who knew the relationship Yinka and I shared. He was always a phone call away.
“What manner of man did God give us in Yinka, son of Odumakin? Unlike many mortals made of topsoil dust, Yinka appeared to have been fashioned in the depths of the earth from gold dust. He was such a dynamic person. Only he acted from honesty and for the general good.
“Yinka had wisdom, knowledge, understanding and vision. His analyses were outstanding. He had an uncanny grasp of Nigerian history and current affairs; about his native South-west, the Niger-Delta, the South-east, the Middle-Belt, and the twin wings of the core north. Odumakin’s network of connections was as formidable as his knowledge of all.
Governors formed his retinue of friends. So were electoral officials and security agents and journalists. So were civil society organisations. He befriended the drivers of his friends and the friends of his drivers. He moved with the high and mighty but he was down to earth with them. If they messed up on principle and compromised on agreed goals, Yinka wasted no time in telling them off.
“He wielded his sword in all directions, cutting friends and foes alike with his truth. He was all about the message and cared very little about the messenger, was ready to work with anyone, for as long as they were on the same page with the message. However, he would not think twice about stepping back if the message no longer aligned. Any wonder over the years at his on and off relationships with President Buhari, former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan; Pa Ayo Adebanjo; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Afenifere Renewal Group and so many more.”
Another friend of the comrade who goes by the name, Franklyn Ngwu, while quoting what an anonymous 80-year-old man said about Yinka reported that he was a good man with unquestionable, unrepentant, and unending desire for a better Nigeria.
“He was one of the very few islands for Nigeria’s rectitude in a sea of ferocious national turpitude! With very few like him remaining, my hope for a better Nigeria was aflame. Now that he has transited, darkness gains and my departure nears. I do pray and hope even though with hesitation that all those pouring encomium and tributes to Yinka will in their quiet moment and respect for him listen and do some of his views about our dear nation.”
Ngwu said further that, “In total agreement with the above prayers and deeply encouraged by the pouring tributes, I reconfirmed the most important thing that Yinka laboured for. It was equity and fairness for a better Nigeria. If the tributes being received are sincere, the only way we can truly pay our last respect to Yinka, particularly from our leaders, is to see that his prayers and wishes for Nigeria are fulfilled. This will make his soul to truly rest in peace while perpetual light shines upon him.
Yinka Odumakin’s selfless dedication to the pursuit of democracy, human rights, and social justice, no doubt, has cemented his place as an unforgotten hero in Nigeria’s history.