…Activists decry capture of judiciary
…berate gender hostility in public service
Scholars, lawyers, development workers, civil society actors, human rights defenders, media tycoons and pro-democracy activists gathered in Lagos on Wednesday 2nd of April 2025 to have a review on State of the nation in commemoration of the life and times of the immediate erstwhile Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Comrade Yinka Odumakin.
Giving the opening remarks, AareGani Adams Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba Land paid glowing tribute to the ideals of the radical civil rights and political activist who used his intellect to advance a plural society. He noted that Yinka was a leading light in the struggle for self determination and emancipation of our people, saying that he is rest assured that he is taking a well deserved eternal rest.
Ace broadcaster Edmund Obilo read from “Comrade” where he alluded to the selflessness of Yinka Odumakin.
An Afenifere chieftain and former governorship candidate in Lagos, Jimi Agbaje added that Yinka was a reliable hand in the struggle for justice, equity and fairness.
“Yinka was not driven by material things but of conviction and selflessness”, he said.
Femi Falana, SAN, guest speaker of the occasion noted that the military obeyed court order more than the democratic government that we have today that chooses which court order to obey or not.
Speaking in the same vein, Richard Akinnola II condemned the pervasive emergence of judiciary capture by politicians as his over 40 years of research and writing on the judiciary and rule of law has not experienced what is happening today in Nigeria under democracy. He further added that, “Yinka was a honest man with relationship with people cross board.”
The civil society leader Comrade Ada Agina-Ude “Yinka fought with his last breath for the causes he believed in,” she also said Dr Joe should be commended.
The enigmatic Omoyele Sowore thank Dr Joe for keeping the memory of Yinka alive. He asserted that he is one of the few who know Yinka Odumakin very privately. He said this circle should be kept small but we must never abandon ourselves…
Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN urged the young ones to fill up the gap that the exit of the likes of Yinka Odumakin, Bamidele Aturu, Chima Ubani et al has created for a better society.
Pastor Odumakin Jacob immensely appreciate Dr Joe calling her a virtuous woman and all those who have been keeping the ideas of Yinka Odumakin alive.
President of Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation, DrJoe Okei Odumakin noted that her beloved comrade stood and fought for justice. The best honour that we can bestow on him is to continue from where he stopped. She concluded by saying “on Yinka’s ideas we stand”
The event was attended by several notable personalities, including Omoyele Sowore , publisher of Sahara Reporters, broadcaster Edmund Obilo, Lanre Arogundade ; Executive Director of International Press Centre, Adeola Soetan, Oladosu Razaq aka General Buska, Ada Agina-Ude , Pa Ajayi Banji , Wise Solo and a host of others.