The Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) has come out to mourn the passing away of Yinka Odumakin. According to the Secretary General of the Association, Dr Charles Okhai, “The death of the Afenifere spokesman came to us as a shock. He was a first class political activist and we are deeply pained by his death.

“Yinka was totally committed to the fight against corruption, injustice, oppression, nepotism, and despotism in our society. He was unlike most of his colleagues who like draw attention to themselves as activists.

“Yinka was different, a rare gem, one in a millennium Personality. He was a man with high sense of integrity, a man with impeccable, unimpeachable and unquestionable character.

“Nigeria has no doubt lost a colossus and it will take another century to find another Yinka.”

Dr Ohkai further described Yinka as a man of honoured and integrity, with fearless authoritative voice. “We are severely hurt by his sudden death being a two-time Speaker at our Annual Integrity Lecture and Award, as well as, a proud worthy recipient of the prestigious INTEGRITY MAN AWARD,” he said.

The NACJ Secretary General noted that “Yinka was close to the corridors of power left and right, but never allowed himself to be drawn into the murky waters of Nigeria’s body Politics because he could not compromise his high sense of integrity. He was integrity defined and demonstrated.”

With a nostalgic feeling, he said: “Yinka was fearless Patriot, he stood firmly for what he believed and lived a heroic life.

“However, we cannot but suspect a foul play in view of the circumstances that characterised his death. But let the perpetrators not rejoice because Yinka is not dead as they believe. A dead man is one who is out of sight, and out of mind. But Yinka maybe out of sight, but he is certainly not out of mind. His sweet memories will continue to linger in our minds as a people, so he is alive.

“Jesus once said, ‘Fear not those who can only kill the body, but fear only the one who can kill the soul.’ Yinka was aware of this scripture hence he was bold and fought tireless the evil vices in our society even with the last drop of his blood.

“We celebrate him because he left an indelible footprint in the sands of history as a man of integrity and honour.”