Who was Ayokunle Odekunle? Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Family, Death Cause & More
Ayokunle Odekunle (born 12 June 1988 – died 30 December 2023, Aged: 35 years old) was a Nigerian lawyer, activist, and writer who died on December 30, 2023, at the age of 35. He was known for his passion for justice, human rights, and democracy, as well as his eloquence, charisma, and humor.
He was a partner at Kenna Partners, a leading commercial litigation firm in Nigeria, and a member of the Law Society of Alberta, Canada. He was also a columnist for several newspapers and online platforms, where he expressed his views on various social and political issues affecting Nigeria and Africa.
Family and Education
Ayokunle Odekunle was born on June 12, 1988, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria. He was the second of four children of Dr. Olusegun Odekunle, a professor of criminology, and Mrs. Olufunke Odekunle, a nurse. He attended Ijemo Titun High School, Abeokuta, where he joined the Career Press Club and developed his interest in writing and journalism. He graduated in 2005 as the best student in his class.
He proceeded to study law at the University of Ibadan, where he excelled academically and socially. He was the president of the Law Students’ Society, the editor-in-chief of the Law Press Organization, and the winner of several moot court competitions. He graduated in 2010 with a first-class degree, the best result in his faculty. He also won the Dean’s Prize, the Vice-Chancellor’s Prize, and the Chief Gani Fawehinmi Prize for the best graduating student in law.
He continued his legal education at the Nigerian Law School, where he also graduated with a first-class degree in 2012. He was one of the 17 students out of over 5,000 who achieved this feat. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in November 2012 and was awarded the Director-General’s Prize for the best overall performance.
Ayokunle Odekunle Wiki/Bio
| Name | Ayokunle Odekunle |
| Birth date | June 12, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Ibadan, Nigeria |
| Death date | December 30, 2023 |
| Death place | Edmonton, Canada |
| Cause of death | Cancer |
| Occupation | Lawyer, activist, writer |
| Education | University of Ibadan, Nigerian Law School |
| Spouse | Oluwatosin Odek |
| ayokunleodekunle | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Career and Achievements
After his call to the Nigerian Bar, Ayokunle Odekunle joined Kenna Partners, a reputable commercial litigation firm in Lagos, as an associate. He quickly rose to become a partner in 2018, handling complex and high-profile cases involving multinational corporations, government agencies, and prominent individuals. He specialized in arbitration, corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, and constitutional law. He was also involved in pro bono cases, especially those concerning human rights, electoral justice, and public interest.
He was a member of several professional associations, such as the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Bar Association, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the Law Society of Alberta. He moved to Canada in 2020 with his family and was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 2023. He worked as a barrister and solicitor at Queck & Associates, a law firm in Edmonton, where he practiced family law, immigration law, wills and estates, and general litigation.
He was also a prolific writer and commentator, who contributed to various newspapers and online platforms, such as The Guardian, The Nation, Premium Times, YNaija, and Sahara Reporters. He wrote on various topics, such as politics, governance, law, democracy, corruption, security, and development. He was known for his fearless, witty, and insightful opinions, which often challenged the status quo and provoked debate. He was also an avid user of social media, where he engaged with his followers and shared his views on current affairs.
He was a passionate advocate for democracy, human rights, and good governance in Nigeria and Africa. He participated in several civil society movements and campaigns, such as the #EndSARS protests, the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, and the #NotTooYoungToRun initiative. He also volunteered in politics, serving as the communications director for a leading presidential candidate in Nigeria in 2019, and as a campaign manager for a provincial candidate in Alberta in 2023.
Physical Stats
| Height (approx.) | In Feet Inches: 5′ 7″. In Meters: 1.7 m. In Centimetres: 170 cm. |
| Weight (approx.) | In Kilograms: 60 kg. In Pounds: 132 lbs. |
| Eye Color | Black. |
| Hair Color | Black. |
Personal Life, Spouse & Kids
Ayokunle Odekunle was married to Oluwatosin Odekunle, a nurse and entrepreneur, whom he met at the University of Ibadan. They had two children, a son and a daughter. He was a devoted husband and father, who loved spending time with his family. He was also a devout Christian, who attended the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He was a fan of football, especially the English Premier League, and supported Arsenal FC.
Death Cause
Ayokunle Odekunle, a prominent Canada-based Nigerian lawyer, communications strategist, writer, and music enthusiast, died on Saturday, December 30, 2023, after a prolonged battle with stage 4 cancer. He was 35 years old. Odekunle, who was popular on the social media app X, formerly Twitter, as @oddy4real, succumbed to the disease in a hospital in Alberta, Canada, where he had been receiving treatment for several months. His death was confirmed by his family and friends, who took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to his life and legacy.
Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Ayokunle Odekunle was a Nigerian-Canadian with dual citizenship of Nigeria and Canada. He was born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria, and moved to Canada in 2020 with his family. He was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 2023 and worked as a lawyer in Edmonton, Canada.
He was of Yoruba ethnicity, one of the largest and most influential ethnic groups in Nigeria. He was proud of his Yoruba heritage, and often used his native language and culture in his writings and speeches. He also had a Yoruba name, Ayokunle, which means “joy fills the home” or “the home is full of joy” in Yoruba.
Legacy and Tributes
Ayokunle Odekunle left behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and service. He was widely regarded as one of the brightest and most promising lawyers and activists of his generation. He touched many lives with his professionalism, generosity, and kindness. He inspired many people with his courage, vision, and passion. He was a role model, a mentor, and a friend to many.
Many people across Nigeria, Canada, and the world mourned his death. He received glowing tributes from his colleagues, clients, associates, friends, and admirers. He was praised for his achievements, contributions, and impact. He was honored for his values, principles, and character. He was celebrated for his life, legacy, and memory.
Net worth
Unfortunately, there is no reliable information on Ayokunle Odekunle’s net worth, assets, liabilities, or investments. He did not disclose his financial status to the public, and there is no official record of his income tax returns or estate documents.
Therefore, it is difficult to estimate his net worth accurately. However, based on his career, lifestyle, and family, it is reasonable to assume that he had a comfortable and decent net worth, which could range from millions to tens of millions of naira or dollars.
Ayokunle Odekunle was a lawyer, activist, and writer, who lived a short but remarkable life. He achieved a lot in his career, made a difference in his society, and left a lasting impression on his generation. He was a man of many talents, interests, and virtues. He was a man of faith, family, and friends. He was a man who loved and was loved. He was a man who will be missed and remembered.
