The Ado Ekiti community and the Ewi-in-Council have designated October 18th of every year as Afe Babalola Day to honor the renowned legal luminary and Founder of Afe Babalola University. This announcement was made by Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, who also serves as co-chairman of the planning committee for the event.
The inaugural celebration will take place in Ado Ekiti, Babalola’s hometown, on October 18, 2024, at the Palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. Distinguished guests expected to attend include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.
Aare Afe Babalola is being recognized for his humanitarian services and contributions to the development of his community, Ekiti, and Nigeria as a whole. His commitment to societal development is evident through his legal practice, the establishment of Afe Babalola University, the multisystem hospital, and the industrial park, all located in Ado Ekiti.
Senator Ojudu emphasized that Babalola’s achievements make him deserving of celebration, citing his remarkable feat of establishing a university at the age of 80. Ojudu also called on the Ekiti State Government to honor Babalola and urged the federal government to confer the Grand Commander of Officers of the Niger (GCON) title on him while still alive.
Afe Babalola’s impressive background includes being a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, and President of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has previously commended him for his philanthropic efforts and described him as a blessing to Ekiti State and Nigeria.
