Comrade Joe okei- odumakin, President, Women Arise in her first interview since the passing of her husband, Comrade Yinka odumakin, former spokesman of Afenifere who passed on in April 2, 2021, spoke on what he lived for and efforts being made to preserve his legacies through the Oluyinka odumakin Foundation (OOF). She also addressed the myriads of challenges facing the nation and why the current administration should implement the report of the 2014 National Conference. TEMIDAYO AKINSUYI brings the excerpts:

Ma, it’s over three months since the passage of your beloved husband, Comrade Yinka odumakin, former spokesman of Afenifere. How has life been ever since?

Just like it is expected, life has not been, and can never be same again, having to lose someone you’ve spent the greater part of your present age with, in such an unexpected manner. Losing a man I met in the prison (Alagbon) whose life represents everything I have dreamt of living for, even before meeting him, could be so devastating. But I have one consolation, it is the fact that Comrade, as I often called Yinka lived a life whose memory, will outlive even those of us that are still alive after his departure. It’s been such a unimaginable experience, a part of me is gone but in all things, we give thanks to God.

Were you surprised by the outpouring of emotions that trailed his passage even after his burial?

The outpouring of emotions and number of condolences received since the demise of Comrade on April 2nd 2021, is such that remains indescribable. While there is no doubt about the popularity of my departed dear husband in the socio-political arena of Nigeria, we were amazed by the magnitude of condolences and solidarity received both locally and internationally, from friends, associates, sympathisers and even his political opponents, while he was alive. The show of love to me and the entire family were such, that added a lot of soothing balm to the pains of losing my everlasting date at that point in time.

What are some cherished moments you can share about him?

They were too numerous to count, an encyclopedia of Positive activism, but most significantly is the large turnouts witnessed at the major funeral events held in Lagos and his hometown of Moro in Osun State. It was such a moment that people from all walks of life defied distance and any form of hindrance, to honour an enigma, whom many of them defined as one of the most consistent and dogged fighter, that have passed through our land. The Day of Tributes in Lagos was such an emotional moment that will not be easily forgotten by all of us.

You established a foundation in his name, Oluyinka odumakin Foundation (OOF). What are the specific things this foundation will do? Will it be in form of a library or gallery?

The foundation will exist not only in an academic form of library or Gallery, it is one that will work and replicate the life and times of Yinka odumakin, which includes the promotion of good governance and social justice, educate and engage the public interest, promote inclusive governance, work with organisations, community leaders to promote equal and sustainable growth in Nigeria.

You were both delegates to the 2014 national conference. What is your take on the fact that the report of that conference is yet to be implemented 7 years after?

The refusal of the Nigerian government to implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference has been a major setback, in the quest for solutions to the myriad of our national challenges. Today, we live in a country, that has become dangerously polarised along religious and ethnic divides, which were some of the key areas, where the conference made far-reaching recommendations, towards its solution. The question of true federalism remained unanswered despite all the promises of the president and his political party before being elected in 2015. Any serious government committed to finding solution to many of Nigeria’s problem, majorly created by the refusal to restructure the country, must consider the recommendations of the National conference, which in my opinion, has the capacity to address some of these challenges, to a reasonable extent.

The late Yinka odumakin spoke about the need for Nigeria’s restructuring till he breathe his last. Do you think restructuring of Nigeria can happen in our lifetime?

It is the most urgent route, to stop the impending disintegration of this country and as such, must be taken seriously by anyone who genuinely have the interest of Nigeria at heart. Our country is at a tipping point where life has become brutish, short and nasty. Economic hardship in the midst of abundant resources and lack of unity, created by the lack of justice equity and fairness. These were the issues around the call for restructuring that Comrade Yinka and other patriots dedicated their lives, to advocate for. Even in his absence, we will continue to demand for the restructuring of Nigeria, not for the sake of our generation or our lifetime, but the future of the country, and generation yet unborn.

The arrest of Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho is generating reactions globally. How best do you think this should be handled?

Bearing in mind the way and manner in which Nnamdi Kanu was whisked into Nigeria recently, in circumstances yet to be fully explained, and the various efforts at enacting gag laws by the same Nigerian authorities, there is no denying the fact that fascism is already creeping upon Nigerians with the latest incident involving Chief Sunday Igboho. The telltale signs of military dictatorship are rearing their ugly heads again under a supposedly democratic government of President Muhammadu Buhari. In this wise, it is certain that Igboho cannot be assured safety or justice if extradited to Nigeria. He should be released from detention unconditionally and his safety and liberty guaranteed by the Republic of Benin authorities under extant international law. The Nigerian authorities are better advised to stop chasing shadows but address the patent dangers posed to the country by the despicable elements it is treating with kid gloves.

What is your take on the manner the National Assembly voted against electronic transmission of election results?

It is important to remind ourselves, that Nigerians and election stakeholders have advocated for improvements to the electoral process, particularly the use of technology in elections, to improve efficiency and transparency. Hence, the support and our insistence on the electronic transmission of election results by INEC. Our constitution is very clear about how it has given INEC powers to device any process to guarantee that everybody is able to vote and so INEC is empowered to transmit results electronically. Therefore, what the national assembly is doing, is an attempt to smuggle itself in, as an umpire into our electoral process and this remains illegal. It is an attempt to write results meaning our votes will never count. For no reason, can the national assembly, NCC or any other body impose itself or interfere into how INEC conduct elections or executive it’s constitutional powers. This is unacceptable and Nigerians will challenge this legitimately in order to protect the sanctity of our electoral system.
https://independent.ng/restructuring-most-urgent-route-to-stop-nigerias-impending-disintegration-okei-odumakin/