News

Netizens Mourn As Canada-based Nigerian Lawyer Dies

Published

2 years ago

December 30, 2023

Ayokunle Odekunle

Users of the social media app, X, poured in condolence messages and heartfelt emotions early Saturday, following the demise of a popular Canada-based Nigerian lawyer, Ayokunle Odekunle.

Odekunle lost his life to stage 4 cancer.

Announcing his death on Saturday, one X user, @KayceeMaduYEG, 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.

“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.”

The PUNCH investigations revealed that Odekunle worked as a barrister and solicitor at Queck and Associates Law Office, Alberta, Canada.

Odekunle, a 2011 Law graduate at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012. He was later called to the Alberta Bar in 2023.

He worked with Kenna Partners, a leading commercial litigation firm in Nigeria. As a litigator in Nigeria, he took on many high-profile cases on behalf of numerous multinationals and secured victories.

Ayokunle’s practice centred around all aspects of Family Law, Immigration, Wills and Estate, and general litigation.

Odekunle is survived by his wife and children.

Some users on X have tweeted their condolences and experiences with the late lawyer.

A user, @Omojuwa, tweeted, “Rest in peace my brother @oddy4real. I am glad I spent time with you and your beautiful family on my visit to Canada earlier this month. You were strong and dogged. You couldn’t have done more. I love you, brother. Rest in peace.”

Another X user, @OgbeniDipo, wrote, “Rest in peace @oddy4real. You fought a good fight. May God bless your soul and comfort your wife and kids. Amen.”

@alexlobaloba tweeted, “Rest in peace, my dear brother, friend and a great mentor! The writing seed you planted in me back in Mayflower and University of Ibadan will continue to blossom. Thank you for everything, I am grateful. This hits to the marrow.”

@WunmiWonka stated, “Oddy was one of the people who saw the GoFundMe for my dad and amplified without me reaching out to them. I only met him once. He then would reach out to check how I was doing despite battling cancer himself. I was really hoping he’d win the battle. Rest in Peace, Soldier.”

@seunonigbinde tweeted, “Rest in peace, @oddy4real. A warrior who stood by his convictions. This is really tough to take.”

@iSlimfit tweeted, “Woke up to the sad news of Oddy’s demise. This life is just a pot of beans. Death is final. Rest In Peace, Champ.”

@Dentalgiorgio wrote, “Of course, I regret the things I said to him in the heat of the moment but I was hurt by the things he said to me too. I feel so distraught for his lovely wife and child. Rest in peace bro. @oddy4real.”

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

16 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

16 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

16 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.