A strong delegation of Igbo and Yoruba leaders led by the Chairman of
Board of Trustees of Nzuko Umunna, Prof. Pat Utomi and former Minister,
Modupe Adesanya Adelaja today visited the families of Messrs Yinka
Odumakin and Innocent Chukwuma to commiserate with them on the death of
the leading activists.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Utomi noted that Odumakin played a
pivotal role as one of the facilitators of the “Handshake Across the
Niger” conference, an initiative of Nzuko Umunna which was jointly
hosted by Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Afenifere.
He noted that the conference was “instrumental in rekindling the bond of
brotherhood between Ndigbo and their Yoruba brethren,” adding that this
would go down in history as one of the many laudable contributions of
Odumakin to peace-building and national development.
During a similar visit to the family of former Nzuko Umunna member and
foremost human rights activist, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, Prof. Utomi noted
that Chukwuma was a towering figure in Nigeria’s human rights community,
adding that his exploits especially during the volatile military era
would remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
Utomi stated that Chukwuma would be “sorely missed not only by Nzuko
Umunna but by all lovers of freedom and development” due to his
invaluable contributions as a strategic thinker and activist.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed activists, and
that their death would rekindle a national rebirth as a memorial to
their struggles and patriotism.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs. Adesanya-Adelaja noted that the death of
the activists has revived the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation
between the Igbo and Yoruba peoples, adding that this is one of their
greatest legacies as nationalists.
The delegation was received by the spouses of the deceased human rights
activists, Dr. Joe Oke-Odumakin and Mrs. Josephine Chukwuma who thanked
the delegates for the honour done to their husbands.
Members of the delegation included Senator Chris Anyanwu, Lady Onyeka
Onwenu, Amb. Folake Marcus-Bello, Pastor Paul Bankole, Mr. Chido
Nwakanma, Mr. Greg Muonyililo and Mr. Pat Okoye.