President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with the family, friends and acquaintances of Yinka Odumakin, spokesman of Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere.

Odumakin was also spokesman to the then Gen Buhari in 2011, when he ran for President on the platform of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), now defunct.

The President recalls Odumakin as dutiful, and a person of conviction, expressing sorrow at his demise, when he had a lot more to contribute to society and the nation at large.

President Buhari prays God to grant repose to the soul of the departed activist, and comfort all those who mourn him.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commiserated with the family of the deceased.

Osinbajo is shocked at the sad news of the death of Mr. Yinka Odumakin and commiserates with his wife, family and associates.

He prays that the Lord will comfort the family, and bless his memory always.”

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu mourned the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin.

Sanwo-Olu described the late human rights and pro-democracy activist, as a great nationalist and passionate leader.

He said Odumakin was a champion of a true Nigeria that would work for every citizen.

According to him, the Afenifere spokesman lived a selfless life and will not be forgotten in a hurry.

The governor said that Odumakin stood firmly behind the attainment of constitutional democracy and fiscal federalism as the basis for sustainable development and lifting the masses out of poverty.

He said that as the spokesman for the Afenifere, Odumakin made his mark and became a reference point as major voice for the development of the Yoruba race.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid a condolence visit to leader of the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, on the death of the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Yinka Odumakin.

Obasanjo visited the nonagenarian at his Lagos residence to commiserate with him on the death of Odumakin.

Odumakin died early on Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital COVID-19 Isolation Centre.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress has expressed profound shock on the news of the death early of Yinka Odumakin, spokesman of Afenifere, committed fighter for democracy, dedicated civil society activist, courageous and outspoken defender of whatever ideals and principles he believed in and a patriotic citizen in every sense of the word.

Asiwaju Tinubu in a condolence message personally signed by him described the late Odumakin as a fearless fighter who has ever since his student days been unrelenting in speaking up in promoting the cause of justice and what he perceived as the best interest of the citizens of Nigeria.

He said Odumakin had participated actively at the forefront in the various students and youth struggles against successive military dictatorships in the 1980s and 1990s suffering arrests and detention which never dampened his spirit.

He eulogised Odumakin as a frontline fighter in the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the perpetuation of military dictatorship even at the risk of his life and liberty.

He added that it is impossible to credibly tell the story of the emergence of the democracy we enjoy in this dispensation today without emblazoning Odumakin’s name in gold describing him as a doughty fighter for freedom and the rule of law.