Yinka Odumakin: Exist Of a Radical Activist, Politician, Public Commentator

By Emmanuel Udom

National publicity secretary of Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Yinka Odumakin, dies Saturday in Lagos at the age of 54.

Media reports alleged that Odumakin, a public analyst, activist and politician, died of complications from coronavirus disease at the intensive care unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

But, it is also not clear the specific cause of Odumakin’s death but he had long battled diabetes and survived complications in the past.

A statement issued by his wife, Joe Okei-Odumakin, noted that the late journalist-turned politician “was managed for respiratory issues, due to complications from COVID-19, which he had recovered from about a week ago.”

Mrs Okei-Odumakin, who noted that the burial arrangement would be announced later, gave Odumakin’s age as 54.

According to one of the deceased’s associates,  Odumakin had in the last two weeks told journalists he would not be able to pick calls due to his failing health. He reportedly introduced an associate to be in charge of his official communications.

Also, about a month ago,  Odumakin fell critically ill during a visit to the Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola and the government promptly responded by offering him emergency medical care.

He immediately returned to Lagos after he was stabilised by medical personnel.

His life and times

Born on December 10, 1966, Odumakin hails from Moro, Ife North local government area of Osun state. It is the same town where the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, hails from.

The deceased, who studied English Language at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, graduated in 1989.