1st Afe Babalola Day: Ekiti Obas Set To Confer Asiwaju Of Ekiti Land On ABUAD Founder

Obasanjo, Governors, Other Dignitaries To Grace Occasion

By Philip Tayo

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Preparations are in full swing for the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers to confer the title of Asiwaju of Ekiti Land on Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD). This historic event will take place during the celebration of the 1st Afe Babalola Day, set for Friday, October 18, 2024, in Ado Ekiti.

The celebration, which will honor Aare Afe Babalola’s remarkable contributions to education, law, and development, will see dignitaries from across the country converge on Ekiti State. Among those expected to attend are two Southwest Governors, former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Attorney Generals from several states, the Attorney General of the Federation, and prominent legal professionals.

The current Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, will also be in attendance, alongside former Governors Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, and Engineer Segun Oni. Former Deputy Governors of the state and other political figures are also expected to grace the occasion. Additionally, a representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be present, as the President is currently away in Europe on annual leave.

As the date draws closer, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a former Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, provided updates during an interview with Treasure Newspaper at his country home in Ado Ekiti. According to Ojudu, “All the kings in Ekiti State are ready to confer the title of Asiwaju of Ekiti Land on Aare Afe Babalola. This is a unique honor, as this title has never been bestowed on anyone before.”

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Ojudu emphasized that the people of Ado Ekiti are working tirelessly through various committees to ensure the success of the day, with funds being raised to support the celebration. “Aare Afe Babalola is deeply excited about this recognition, which is happening during his lifetime—an extraordinary honor, given that such recognitions are often conferred posthumously,” Ojudu added.

He went on to describe the outpouring of support from the people of Ado Ekiti, who have united in their efforts to celebrate the esteemed lawyer and philanthropist. “We are not used to honoring people like this, but Ado Ekiti has come together in an unprecedented way. People have contributed amounts ranging from N5 million to N5,000, all depending on their capacity, to ensure Aare Afe Babalola is celebrated in a manner befitting his contributions to our state and beyond.”

Reflecting on Afe Babalola’s virtues, Ojudu noted that his unparalleled hard work has been the cornerstone of his success. From his humble beginnings in Odo Ado Ekiti, where he studied in his father’s hut, to earning a high-grade degree in Economics from a London university, and later completing a correspondence course in law, Babalola’s dedication was evident. His eventual journey to Britain to further his legal education was a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.

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Ojudu also highlighted Afe Babalola’s remarkable 60-year career in law, during which he traveled across the globe, often under challenging conditions, to represent clients in various legal matters. One of the notable cases Ojudu mentioned was Babalola’s role in securing the throne for Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo, against all odds.

Afe Babalola’s hard work and principles also extend to his legacy as a mentor. Over 30 lawyers who trained under him have gone on to become Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and his influence was instrumental in establishing the Federal Polytechnic in Ado Ekiti.

When asked about his own post-political life, Senator Ojudu shared his commitment to community development, stating, “I am now focused on leveraging my experience to bring progress to Ado Ekiti, just as Aare Afe Babalola has done. My aim is to draw global attention to Ekiti State, especially in the areas of arts, cultural performances, and investment.”

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Ojudu concluded by emphasizing his ongoing efforts to mentor young people and promote agricultural development across the state and the country.

The event promises to be a memorable celebration of one of Ekiti’s most illustrious sons, and preparations are well underway to ensure that the 1st Afe Babalola Day is a resounding success.

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