How Nigerians reacted to Yinka Odumakin’s death

Many Nigerians on social media have reacted to the death of Yinka Odumakin, the spokesperson of Afenifere Social Political Group.

News Direct reported that Mr Odumakin died in the early hours of Saturday.

A group, Concerned Nigeria for the protection of Human Rights and Rule Law initiative expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of Odumakin.

Deji Adeyanju, the convener of the group described Odumakin in his statement as a courageous activist who was never afraid to speak truth to power.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends, allies and colleagues of activist, Yinka Odumakin who died today after a brief illness.

“We have lost a fierce advocate and a stalwart of progressive causes. Yinka Odumakin was indeed an icon of hope to many young defenders and he was as well, a distinguished leader in Nigeria’s civil rights movement.

“It will be extremely hard to fill the vacuum he left behind in the civil rights movement in Nigeria but his death is a clarion call to all of us at concerned Nigerians to keep fighting for a better Nigeria and a country that works for all irrespective of gender, religion or ethnic affiliation.

Adeyanju also added that , Odumakin was the kind of civil rights activist that didn’t just speak against injustice, but put his life and everything that he held dear on the line fighting against injustice.

“This is a devastating loss and we pray God almighty to continue to comfort our sister in the struggle, Dr. Joe Odumakin and the children.”

Odumakin was described as one of Nigeria’s leading democratic activists, an intellectual per excellence and political strategist with an unwavering commitment to freedom, equity, rule of law, and justice, which he not only do for Nigeria, but Africa and the world at large.

The Secretary-General of Afenifere, Sehinde Arogbofa, said “it’s a terrible blow. A terrible blow to me as a person because we’ve been so intimate.

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, on Saturday said the death of Odumakin, was a shock to him.

A social media commentator, Biola Makinde said  “he was a human activist per excellence. He fought tirelessly for the restoration of democracy and fought for it sustenance.”

Also, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, said Odumakin was a “senior comrade”.

“Death is a necessary end! Sad to announce this passing of a friend and fighter, Yinka Odumakin. Rest in Power, Senior Comrade!”