By News Editor
Eminent Nigerians among them; human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Pastor Tunde Bakare, his wife, Pastor Mrs Laide Bakare, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun gathered at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, on Friday to celebrate late activist Yinka Odumakin.
The event which was hosted by his widow, and Founder Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin.
Jimi Agbaje, and Zaccheus Adedeji (Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), were also present at the event.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso, while Governor Isiaka Oyetola of Osun State was represented by his deputy Benedict Alabi.
Femi Falana described Odumakin’s death as a monumental tragedy.
He said: “Yinka remained a symbol of justice and we are gathered to celebrate his legacy. He was a man of honor, hope, and consistency; a man who gave hope to the masses.’’
In his remarks, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, (APC- Central Senatorial), said Odumakin was a friend who built bridges across ethnic and religious groups.
Amosun said: “His legacy will still remain and the memory of his demise still lingers. My heart goes to his widow, Joe for staying strong after his demise.”
The former governor of Ogun state added that: “Yinka was special to so many of us, my memory of him is that he is a dependable person.”
Similarly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the General Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church and a presidential hopeful, said the late Odumakin was a fearless person who did not labor in vain.
He added that his memory would linger forever.
Also, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina, President, of the African Development Bank, said Odumakin was a respected rights activist and a democrat.
Adeshina said he never met Odumakin but he felt the impact of his works and legacy.
Leader of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, however, thanked Odumakin’s widow for erecting a legacy for the deceased.
However, a book that detailed all the activities of late Odumakin was launched at the event.
The book was written by Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin who noted that her husband devoted his life to true federalism.
She described her deceased husband as an encyclopedia of positive activism.
She noted how her husband kept fighting for the success of Nigeria till his last day on earth.
Joe, however, vowed to keep the banner of the struggle flying.
Odumakin, died on April 12, 2021, after battling respiratory problems, occasioned by COVID-19 complications.