Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has mourned the death of Mr Yinka Odumakin, the renowned activist and spokesperson of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, describing the news of his passing as tragic and deeply devastating.

Odumakin, according to his family, passed on Saturday morning after battling with Covid-19 complications. He was aged 59.

Dr Fayemi in a statement said the Yoruba and indeed Nigeria have lost a truly patriotic citizen, a fearless activist who regularly spoke truth to power and a man of the people who championed the cause of his people till he breathed his last.

He described the death of the Afenifere spokesperson as a personal loss to him, having had a long standing working relationship with the deceased and his spouse, Dr Joe Odumakin since the period of struggle for democracy in the nineties.

“This is a very sad day. The Yoruba and indeed Nigeria have lost an illustrious son, a voice for the voiceless, a fearless and dogged fighter and a leader who loved and served his people passionately.

“For me, Yinka’s death is a personal loss. He was not just my comrade in the democratic struggle, he was a brother and friend. He was firm in his conviction, focused and progressive-minded. Even when we disagreed, he was never disagreeable.

“Our thought and prayers are with Joe, his widow, members of his immediate family, associates and the leadership of Afenifere, at this trying period. We pray that God grants him eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Dr Fayemi added.

In another development, the Governor has felicitated with Christians in the State and the country on this year’s Easter celebration, urging them to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and sacrifice for one another, stating that development and growth can only take place when the people are united.

Dr. Fayemi in his Easter goodwill message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti, urged Christians not to lose sight of the lessons of love and sacrifice which are the hallmarks of Easter, an annual event marking the end of the 40 days Lenten period as well as the commemoration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He said the season should serve as a reminder to the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, his death and his resurrection.

The Governor said Jesus Christ exemplified the virtues of selflessness, love and tolerance during his period on earth. He therefore urged Christians to use the season as a period to reflect on their individual and collective roles in promoting and sustaining love, peace and harmony in the country.

Governor Fayemi called on Christians to make use of the Easter period to pray for God’s intervention in the country’s efforts at tackling various challenges, especially insecurity, adding that no challenge is insurmountable where unity of purpose thrives.

He urged Christians to be modest in their celebration and continue to observe the Covid-19 safety protocols as laid out by the government and health officials.

While wishing Ekitikete a happy Easter celebration, Governor Fayemi urged them to continue to support the government’s development efforts through the administration’s five development pillars.

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