Ayokunle Odekunle, a legal practitioner and social media commentator, has died.
Odekunle, a Nigerian-born lawyer moved to Canada in 2020 and he discovered he had stomach cancer that was spreading fast and left too little time to contain when he arrived in Edmonton.
Odekunle studied law at the University of Ibadan, graduated in 2011 and was called to the Nigerian bar. He was called to the bar in Alberta last summer, a feat he achieved despite learning he had little time left.
Odekunle stood out for his uncompromising approach to social media commentary, especially on micro-blogging platform X (former known as Twitter). He was once listed among top Nigerian influencers by YNaija, a culture magazine in Lagos.
Kaycee Madu, Alberta’s former Minister of Justice, has expressed sadness over Odekunle’s death.
He tweeted: “It is with profound sadness that I bring to you that our dear brother, friend and colleague Ayokunle Odekunle @oddy4real lost his courageous battle with stage 4 cancer this evening. Ayo was a brilliant young lawyer who sacrificed so much to be called to the Alberta Bar this past June whilst terminally ill. We had hoped for a miracle. Ayo was so looking forward to enjoying the practice of law and prayed for a second chance so he could devote his healthy self to his beloved wife, Halimah. He loved his wife and two beautiful young children. In his lifetime, he stood for justice, merit and good governance. Ayo didn’t care where you come from, religion or ethnicity, and so long as you are a good person who stood for good, he will support you. He wanted the best for his fellow human beings. It’s clear that I will miss his friendship and brotherhood dearly. I extend my sincere condolences to his family especially his most treasured wife and beloved young children. Let’s remember Ayo’s family and keep them in our prayers.”
He is survived by his wife and two children.
