Odumakin Will Forever Be a Shining Star to Light our Path – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has said that the Late Afenifere Publicity Secretary and political activist, Yinka Odumakin will forever be a shining star to light the path of other comrades coming behind until Nigerians get the type of country that they deserve.

The Governor said this at the funeral service of the late Comrade which took place earlier today at Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro, Osun State.

The burial service had in attendance the Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Osun State Governor, Isiaka Oyetola, alongside other South-West governors and notable dignitaries across the country.

In his address, Governor Makinde expressed sadness at the death of the Comrade, noting that he lived a life a full of integrity and commitment to the growth of Nigeria.

He said, “What can I say? Myself and Yinka were about the same age. It is only a year that separated us. But, it is not how long but how well. We are all here today, I, personally and the good people of Oyo State (I’m representing them) to give honour to whom honour is due even in death.”

“I came late into Afenifere because I wasn’t really interested in politics. I became an accidental politician and I joined Afenifere and that led me to have some interaction with my brother, Yinka Odumakin.”

“Just like others have attested to, he spoke truth to power and lived a life full of integrity and commitment to his people and ideal, which was to make Nigeria a better place for all.”


The Governor further urged everyone present at the event to emulate the late Comrade by living a life of integrity and commitment, adding that though that life might not lead to fortune or fame, it will be a shining star to light the path of those that are coming behind.

In his words, “When I look at all the dignitaries that are here today, the one thing I want everyone to take home is the fact that a life lived with integrity, commitment to one’s people and ideal, even though that life may not have the trappings of fortune or fame, it will be a shining star to light the path of others that are coming behind and that’s what Yinka did for this generation.

“The ideals he lived for, the struggles will forever be a shining star to light the path for us until we get the type of country that we deserve and that Yinka and other comrades laboured for.”

“Yinka has stopped his own work but the rest of us will continue until we succeed.”

“Yinka, my brother, my friend, rest in peace. To the family, I pray that God will give you the strength to carry on.”