Celebrating the amazon of Justice, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin

"I will not marry until there is Democracy in Nigeria", was one of her famous camaraderie anthems during struggles against military juntas in Nigeria. Even, that watchword was even a compromise after other pro-democracy activists persuaded her to settle for a secular life like every other regular being. Otherwise, she would be a nun, as she had vowed! 

Born on July 4, 1966, Dr. Joe Obiajulu Okei-Odumakin has led a non-personal life. It was following a rigorous debate at a state-of-the-nation meeting of activists, that Dr. Joe agreed, eventually, to marry. 

That debate was won by Comrades in favor of Mr. Yinka Odumakin, anchoring their persuasion on the obvious arrival of the Democracy in Nigeria, which she had insisted on. How they met, with her hubby was even child of serendipity -they met in same prison custody after being arrested from different locations but fighting same cause. Their proper meeting was to later occasion at their collision on account of Nigeria's most symbolic legal luminary and rights activist, Chief Gani Oyesola Fawehinmi, who was the significant rallying point for various pro-democracy movements and activists across Nigeria. 

Dr. Joe groomed in the Campaign for Democracy (CD) led by Dr. Beko Ransom Kuti, when the heat was at roof, resisting Military reign in Nigeria. Because her best moments were always during protest rallies, she preferred the toughest of activist roles, especially those roles men are careful to steer clear from. This was what made her volunteer to personally paste "IBB-Must-Go" bills inside Military barracks. 

It was in the course of this that she was caught by soldiers at one of the barracks. That sorry-story can best be imagined. It was indeed her first baptism in activism. But her undying passion for a better society soon saw her becoming a "prison veteran", as she stubbornly returned to the streets to protest against Military rule in Nigeria. By when Democracy would be achieved in Nigeria, she had been detained for about seventeen times, already. She was also shot on her leg during one of the protest marches she co-led against Military repression of Nigerian citizens.

Africa's first Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka having "shared tear gas" with her on occasions of protest, discerned her passion for struggle-to-justice. In commending her consistency and tireless spirit, Prof. Soyinka introduced her subsequently as follows:

 “...a tireless fighter whose frail bearing  bellies an inner strength and resilience purpose, a veteran of affirmative marches, of crude arrests and detentions, baton charges and tear gas who has  lent lustre to the struggle for justice and human dignity, who remain an inspiration of men and women, old and young.”

But even following the achievement of Democracy in Nigeria, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin has continued to fight for oppressed people in the society. Her forte is undeniably in lending voices to voiceless women and children in the Society -a trajectory that has blown her beyond her imagined scope of a Nigerian society. World over, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin has been recognized for her role in leading people to finding their own voices.

It was during presentation of the prestigious "International Woman of Courage Award" at the Department of States, Washington DC, that the United States Secretary of States, Senator John Kerry acknowledged Dr. Joe's resilience and purpose of a life, one lived for significantly for others.

It is Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin's birthday, and I am inviting you on this occasion to connect and share with her, the deserved love and encouragement for a life that should be model for every female, within and beyond Nigeria.

Let's continue to overwhelm her with love on Social Media. Her direct handle; 

Twitter: "@DrJoeOdumakin"

Instagram: @Drjoeodumakin

Facebook: Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin

Personally, I Say "congratulobia" on your birthday.

Segun O'Law,

Media Titan.

Twitter: @segun_olawoye.