Connect with us
Advertisment

society

Yinka Odumakin: the storm is over! By Abiodun KOMOLAFE

Published

on

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has mourned the death of the spokesperson of the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, describing his death as "painful". Odumakin was reported to have died in a Lagos hospital on Saturday morning. But Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, declared that the southwest has lost a courageous human rights activist and fearless public commentator. The governor noted that Odumakin, while alive, championed the cause of the southwest and promote the ideals of the late sage and Premier of the defunct Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo, which were held dear by the Afenifere. Abiodun, who said the late journalist would be remembered for his timely response to national issues, particularly, ones that affected the southwest, added that Odumakin lived a good life and fought a good fight. "For those of us who have followed Odumakin's trajectory in journalism and activism, he lived a good life and fought doggedly to defend the defenceless. He and his wife were always at the forefront to protest against oppressive government policies. "As the spokesperson of the Afenifere, he discharged his duties diligently and defended the cause of the southwest passionately. He never hid his passion for the Yoruba people and was never timid to speak against any policy that would affect the generality of the nation. "Though, the activist has gone to the join his Maker, his humane and altruistic activities while on Earth will remain indelible in our hearts. "I commiserate with his immediate family, especially his wife and 'Siamese twins', Joey Odumakin, the Afenifere and indeed, the southwest. I pray that his soul finds comfort in the bosom of the Almighty God. We shall all miss Odumakin. Goodnight, Yinka!", the statement concluded.

Yinka Odumakin: the storm is over! By Abiodun KOMOLAFE.

Advertisment

 

‘Abiodun, stop crying; the storm is over!’ Those were the exact words of Peter Oluyinka Odumakin to me at Saint James’ Anglican Church, Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti State, on November 5, 2009. It was on the occasion of my wedding to the-then Miss Oluwafunmilola Awosusi.

Advertisment

 

 

 

Advertisement

For obvious reasons, it was to be a day of joy for me; and, truly, it was! But, midway into the programme, thoughts, particularly, of the physical thistles and the psychological inflexibility of a journey, which had, at one time or the other, tended to dilute my faith, overwhelmed me, and I became drenched in my own tears. The man fondly called Yinka Odumakin understood the mood of that moment, seized it, walked up to me, patted me on the shoulder, and whispered into my ears: ‘Abiodun, stop crying; the storm is over.’ That was vintage Odumakin!

 

 

 

I remember receiving a telephone call one fateful afternoon in 2008. The other party was Odumakin who … offered to pay me a visit. Of course, I rejected the offer – of a big man paying a courtesy visit to a ‘small man.’ It ought to be the other way round. So, I chose the latter option. The rest, as they always say, is history! As the pioneer Administrative Secretary of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), yours sincerely worked closely – and, tirelessly, too – with leaders like Olawale Oshun, Ayo Afolabi, Kayode Fayemi, Jimi Agbaje, Bisi Adegbuyi, Lai Oyeduntan, Babafemi Ojudu, Olutola Mobolurin, Pastor Akin Adeoye, the late Dipo Famakinwa, and Odumakin to nurture ARG into a global brand.

 

 

 

 

Our ideological differences thereafter notwithstanding, Odumakin and I remained brothers till he breathed his last on Friday, April 2, 2021. For instance, the week preceding his death, I had, in what has over time become the practice between us, sent SMS messages to him, and his wife. But, while I was doing that, little did I know that death was already nearing him by the eyelids!

 

 

 

 

A popular Yoruba proverb goes thus: ‘odo to ba gbagbe orisun re yio gbe’ (a river that forgets its origin will dry up). In so numerous ways, Odumakin touched lives while he lived on Planet Earth. Mine was no exception. For example, though God used Archbishop Olukayode Akinyemi and Bishop Matthew Kukah to discover my talent, the Strength of Israel used Odumakin as the rung of the ladder to whatever height I have attained in life. I also know, for a fact, that he assisted many others to realize their dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

Ask what I knew about Yinka Odumakin and I will say that this departed soul was a man of very sound character who dared to dream; he dared to be different. He was as gentle as a lamb but equally as wise as a serpent. Odumakin was one calm dove who never suffered fools gladly. Jimi Agbaje, aka JK, once told me that the late wordsmith was one individual who’s fond of deploying all the weapons in his arsenal into fighting whoever he believed has crossed his path. Well, what Agbaje failed to add was that, if this Moro, Osun State-born humanist also promised to lend somebody a helping hand, he would neither sleep nor slumber until a source of lift-up was found.

 

Odumakin was a man of conviction who took no prisoners. Once he believed in a cause, he would fight to the last. You might not like what he’s saying but, once he stood on it, that would remain his bible. But, again, the trouble with such Odumakins is that, if they are wrong, they will be fatally wrong; and, if they are right, they will be like essential saints. So, the challenge lies with those who deal with them: you have to win them over at the level of ideas.

 

Yes, Odumakin may no longer be with us, but we can learn one or two things from his life and times. In every society, we need people like this gentle giant because, in a society where thugs and bandits are running riot, needless to repeat that ideas, logic, philosophies and deep thinking have taken flight. So, where is the hope for corrections, renewal, or rebirth? The truth of the matter is that Odumakin occupied some space in our societal structure. He did not just show up like one nincompoop on the street. He toiled for it; and he made his voice heard. Whether the people like it or not, some of his moves shattered certain myths and instilled fears in the minds of the so-called high and mighty in society.

 

Matter-of-factly speaking, the society where the Odumakins of this world can thrive will be one where people reason! In a society where rabble-rousers now dictate the tune of things, Nigerians are bound to miss the contributions of Brother ‘Yinka, who would rather approach any issue in discourse from a compellingly rich angle. Whether it is a philosophical principle, or an economic theory he believed in, or a socio-cultural matter, to which he devoted his life, something was always the anchor of his convictions. Of course, this tells us something about the workings of his inner mind. If only we can have a hundred Odumakins in our midst, who knows, things might be better. But, if everybody would just ‘sidon look’, who, then, would challenge the rogues who have strayed into positions of authority in the country?

 

As for Sister Joe, Odumakin’s widow, she must take heart and remain strong, so that Abraham, the son left behind by her spouse may appreciate what the struggle his father lived and died for is all about. Death is the terminal end of all mortals; but, herein lies the essence of truth: even, if Odumakin had lived for 100 years, he would surely die, one day! No! This isn’t the time for Comrade Joe to cower to the dictates of sorrow or blankness. It is not so much about what the political class; even, any culture-influenced tribute expert is prepared to give her in terms of sympathy or solidarity. It is much more about the legacy of her late husband; and her ability to look inwards to the inner convictions that threw her up as an activist in the first place.

 

In the immortal words of Marion Howard, life “is like a blanket – too short. You pull it up and your toes rebel. You yank it down and shivers meander about your shoulders. But cheerful folks manage to draw their knees and have a comfortable night.” If death is a necessary end, then, Odumakin has fought a good fight and he has hung his sword. So, the storm is over! Whoever thinks he has not used it justifiably can pick it up and continue from where he stopped.

 

Yes, the storm may be over for Odumakin. So, I say to him: ‘rest on, brother; and, goodnight!’ To the remaining genuine activists, however, it’s ‘good morning.’

 

Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!

 

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, rest the soul of our departed brother and comfort the family he left behind!

 

*KOMOLAFE writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, State of Osun (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk07087941459 – SMS only)

Advertisment

society

Wanted Delta Monarch Reports Self To Police

Published

on

Wanted Delta Monarch Reports Self To Police

 Wanted Delta Monarch Reports Self To Police

 

Advertisment

Determined to prove his innocence in the controversy surrounding the murder of 17 military men in Okuama, the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, has surrendered himself to the State Police Command.

 

Advertisment

 

Wanted Delta Monarch Reports Self To Police

The monarch is one of the eight persons declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for their role and connection with the gruesome killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom of Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

Advertisement

Ikolo reported Thursday evening at the Delta State Police Command in Asaba and was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi.

The monarch had been living in London, United Kingdom, before his recent selection and crowning as Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.

He was presented with a staff of office by Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in November last year.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the monarch had not returned to his kingdom since his coronation ceremony over a legal tussle arising from his selection following the passage of the former traditional ruler.

Briefing journalists before surrendering himself to the Police, the monarch denied any involvement in the killing of the 17 soldiers, comprising four senior officers and 13 soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

He called on the federal and Delta State governments to constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the killing of the military personnel within the Okuama community of his kingdom.

HRM Ikolo further stated that he decided to present himself to the authorities to prove to the Nigerian government and the international community that he had no hand or connection with those who murdered the soldiers.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that the monarch had surrendered to the Police.

Okuama, an Urhobo community, is one of the over 40 communities under the rulership of the monarch in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.

Advertisment
Continue Reading

society

Kogi Tribunal: Confusion as SDP witness contradicts self on alleged ‘affidavit forgery’ .Renders testimony baseless

Published

on

Panic As The Cardoso Family Takes Possession Of Lagos Land With 300 Houses

Kogi Tribunal: Confusion as SDP witness contradicts self on alleged ‘affidavit forgery’

.Renders testimony baseless

The testimony of a witness of the Social Democratic Party at the Election Petitions Tribunal on the Kogi State governorship election went awry, on Thursday as the witness’ statement before the Tribunal contradicted the documents submitted.

Advertisment

The petitioners had delved away from BVAS, after their star witness claimed he was not in Kogi State during the said election, and alleged that the All Progressives Congress candidate, now the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, forged his age declaration affidavit.

The witness, one Dan Musa Williams from the FCT High Court, in Abuja, who had said the document did not emanate from the Court, upon cross examination, could not substantiate his claims.

Advertisment

When asked whether he checked the record of the registry to ascertain that it was a forged document, he said he just looked at the date, being a Saturday and concluded that it could not have been from them.

It was, however, found that the “declaration of age” affidavit was sworn in Okene, Kogi State, and not in FCT, but the witness claimed that a lawyer forwarded the one he was talking about to him.

Confusion, however, set in when the witness claimed that he also concluded that the affidavit submitted by the APC candidate was fake because it did not have the name and picture of the deponent on it.

Advertisement

At this point, the attention of the SDP witness was drawn to the fact that the affidavit with INEC, which he also annexed, had both the picture of the deponent and name, and that it was sworn in Okene and not FCT.

The contradictions between what the witness said in court and the documents he (the same witness) presented to the court, seemed to have damaged his testimony beyond repair, as he could not give further defence after the discrepancies were pointed out.

Sitting was thereby adjourned to March 30, 2024 for continuation of hearing.

Pius Akubo, SAN, represented the petitioners, while Kanu Agabi SAN, JB Daudu SAN, and DC Denwigwe SAN represented the Respondents.

Advertisment
Continue Reading

society

$87m Theft Case: Abayomi Oluwasesan, Wife Re-arrested, Remanded In Prison As Court Demands Stringent Bail Conditions (Video)

Published

on

$87m Theft Case: Abayomi Oluwasesan, Wife Re-arrested, Remanded In Prison As Court Demands Stringent Bail Conditions (Video)

 

Advertisment

 

Abayomi Segun Oluwasesan who allegedly committed the heinous crime of defrauding the leading global crypto space known as Afriq Arbitrage System has been Re-arrested alongside his wife and arraigned in Federal High court, Jabi in Abuja.

Advertisment

 

$87m Theft Case: Abayomi Oluwasesan, Wife Re-arrested, Remanded In Prison As Court Demands Stringent Bail Conditions (Video)

 

Advertisement

 

Abayomi and his wife were tracked to an estate in Lagos and brought back to Abuja on Sunday, March 24th, 2024 over the lingering financial scam to the tune of 87 million dollar and criminal activities he perpetrated against AAS and the CEO, Jesam Micheal.

 

The arraignment of Abayomi by the IG of police at the Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a significant development on Thursday, March 28th, 2024, as the case involving the alleged theft of 87 million dollar by Abayomi OluwaSesan charged by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, proceeded with significant deliberations.

 

 

The accused individuals were charged for purportedly accessing millions of subscribers’ investments at the Afriq Arbitrage Company’s online trading platform until October 9th, 2023.

 

 

In the courtroom presided over by Justice Ms. Idris, both parties, including the defendants’ lawyer and the complainant lawyer Sidi Abdulrasheed, were present alongside individuals whose investments were affected by the alleged fraud at the Afriq Arbitrage Company.

 

 

During the session,the defendants’ lawyer appealed for bail on behalf of Abayomi OluwaSesan citing their prolonged detention and promising their availability for trial if granted bail. However, the complainant lawyer, Sidi Abdulrasheed, opposed the bail request, highlighting previous instances where the defendants had allegedly fled after being granted bail.

 

 

 

Upon hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Ms. Idris urged the parties to come to a consensus before she delivers her ruling.

 

 

He emphasised the importance of punctuality and adherence to court proceedings if bail were to be granted to the defendants.

 

 

After a brief recess, court proceedings resumed at 2:38 pm, with Justice Ms. Idris adjourning the case until April 18th, 2024. The judge mandated that the suspects remain in police custody until the specified date unless they meet stringent bail conditions.

 

 

 

These conditions include providing two sureties each with 500 million Naira, owning property in Maitama, and also two directors in the federal civil service. Additionally, the sureties must deposit the title documents of their properties in court.

 

 

 

Justice Ms. Idris said the hearing will be April 29th and May 2nd 2024.

He reassured those present in the courtroom, including individuals affected by the case, of a fair and timely judgement. He affirmed his commitment to ensuring that the matter is resolved within the year, providing closure to those impacted by the alleged financial misconduct.

 

 

Speaking to Jesam Micheal the CEO of Afriq Arbitrage Company’s (AAC) after the court proceedings, he said he is Satisfied by the proceedings of the trial judge.

 

 

$87m Theft Case: Abayomi Oluwasesan, Wife Re-arrested, Remanded In Prison As Court Demands Stringent Bail Conditions (Video)  

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending