Yoruba Summit Group Mourns Odumakin

The Yoruba Summit Group (YSG) says Nigeria and Yoruba nation has lost a distinguished personality in the death of Mr Yinka Odumakin.
This is contained in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, on Sunday in Ibadan.
Odumakin the deceased Publicity Secretary of Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, was also the pioneer publicity secretary of YSG.
Odumakin, who died in the early hours of Saturday in Lagos, was reported to have died of COVID-19 complications.
The group said it was deeply saddened by the loss of Odumakin, describing him as a forthright and steadfast man who diligently served the Yoruba interest.
“For the period leading from 2017 to 2019, Yinka Odumakin was our indefatigable spokesman. Undoubtedly, Odumakin was most forthright, most steadfast and very diligent in serving the Yoruba interest.
“He gave his very best in whatever position or duty assigned to him just as he served YSG, the umbrella body for all Yoruba groups. He was a warrior of the Yoruba nation.
“He feared no one; he stood for all, for truth, for justice and for equality. The Yoruba nation and indeed the Nigerian state have both lost a distinguished personality,’’ it said.
It added that late Odumakin in his more than 25 years in public glare, never held a public office either by election or appointment.
According to the group, “to many of this generation, Odumakin stood tall as an example of a fearless, selfless leader who was about service-to-others and not about service-to-self.
“To Southwest zone, you defined dignity, philosophy of living, stating clearly that we are of the “OmÍlúwabi’ (forthright and responsible) ethos never having to accept the doctrine of the sense of entitlement, the very albatross dogging this country,’’ the statement read.
The YSG said that the legacies left behind by Odumakin would undoubtedly continue to live long and far into the consciousness of the people.
“These legacies shall surely endure, not washed away, and not wished away.
“Be rest assured comrade, that those of us that you have left behind will continue to pick up the gauntlet, receive and hand over the baton, fly the flag and continue the great fight,’’ the group stated.