The Chief Edwin Clark led Southern and Middle Belt Forum of Nigeria said the late National Secretary of the group, Mr. Yinka Odumakin was a fearless and courageous nationalist.
The group in a condolence message titled “DIEU OUR FEARLESS AND COURAGEOUS YINKA ODUMAKIN” and signed by Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark, National Leader, Prof. George Obiozor, President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President -General, Middle Belt Forum and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) said the news of Odumakin’s demise came to them as a rude shock.
The leaders of thought said the late Odumakin was to them until his demise a backbone who in the past few years worked tirelessly to give the organisation both national and international visibility and recognition.
He was also credited to have brought clarity and common understanding to the problems bedeviling the country, and aimed at providing timely solutions to them.
The statement reads: “We, the leaders of Southern and Middle Belt Forum of Nigeria, have received with shock and pain, news of the death of our National Secretary and Spokesman of Afenifere, Comrade YINKA ODUMAKIN.
We have contacted Chief Ayo Adebanjo, National Leader of Afenifere, and he has confirmed to us that this unfortunate event occurred this morning, Saturday, 3rd April, 2021, in Lagos.
A very versatile and cerebral journalist, Yinka, as he was simply known, was a great patriot and nationalist. Although he was an Afenifere chieftain, his commitment to building a Nigerian State, where fairness, equity and justice reigns, was unparalleled.
“For Southern Nigerian and Middle Belt Forum, Yinka was a backbone who in the past few years worked tirelessly to give the organisation both national and international visibility and recognition. He also brought clarity and common understanding to the problems bedeviling our country, aimed at providing timely solutions to them.
“Yinka has etched his name in steel in the anal of Nigerian history. He will, therefore, be remembered by all citizens as one of our greatest citizens ever.
“Our condolences go to his wife, Comrade Dr. Joe Okei- ODUMAKIN, the rest of the family and Afenifere as a whole.”
They prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
