Human rights activist and Afenifere spokesman Yinka Odumakin passes on succumbing to Covid-19

HUMAN rights activist and pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group spokesman Yinka Odumakin has passed away this morning after succumbing to complications associated with the dreaded Covid-19 virus.

Mr Odumakin, who has been at the centre of activism in Nigeria, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. During his time there, he served as the public relations officer of the students' union and ever since he graduated, he has been involved in activism and human rights issues.

During the 2011 presidential election campaign, Mr Odumakin served as President Muhammadu Buhari's spokesman but has since broke with him over his refusal to accept the principal of federalism. In his capacity as Afenifere spokesman, Mr Odumakin has been very vocal in speaking up against the menace of armed Fulani herdsmen.

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's minister of state for labour and employment, has paid tribute to Mr Odumakin, describing his death as a personal loss to him. Both of them worked together in the past to fight against the Nigerian military in power and attempts to truncate democracy.

Mr Keyamo said: "Yinka’s death is a personal loss to me. Himself and his wife, Joe, have been my long-time friends and allies. I knew them separately before they met and got married.

"I just called the wife’s line and they’re still at the hospital. My deepest condolences to Josephine and the Odumakin family.”