Renowned Nigerian legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has received high praise from former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, for his exceptional contributions to the development of his community, state, and the entire country. Obasanjo, speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of Babalola’s call to the bar in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, commended the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), for his remarkable achievements in improving various aspects of life.
Obasanjo acknowledged that Babalola has not only made significant advancements in his personal life but has also strived to enhance the community, family, and society as a whole. The former Nigerian leader emphasized that Aare Babalola’s unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence have been evident throughout his long and successful legal career. Even at a stage in life when rest and relaxation are expected, Babalola established a university that has become one of the leading educational institutions in the country.
“You have met this world at a point, you have met your community at a point, you have met your family at a point and what you have done is that what you have met you have made it better than what you have found,” Obasanjo said.
Drawing a valuable lesson from Babalola’s tireless endeavors, Obasanjo urged everyone to invest their best efforts into their chosen pursuits, striving to make them the very best they can be. He expressed deep appreciation for Babalola’s exceptional leadership in making ABUAD the epitome of excellence among Nigerian universities.
“That is a lesson that we should all learn whatever we are given to do and whatever we agree to do or whatever we make up our mind to do, we should put the best of ourselves into it and make it the best that it can be. You have made this university the best that any university can be in Nigeria, I appreciate that.”
Obasanjo also expressed gratitude to Babalola for his legal representation, specifically mentioning the cases in which he defended the former president’s electoral victories. He praised Babalola’s legal expertise, highlighting his exceptional ability to handle complex cases with utmost professionalism and success. The former president credited Babalola’s invaluable assistance in securing fair and just outcomes in numerous electoral disputes.
The event celebrating Babalola’s achievement was graced by several prominent dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah; and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, among others.
Afe Babalola’s impact in Nigeria has been nothing short of remarkable. On June 27, 2019, the late Alaafin of Oyo wrote an open letter praising his philanthropic endeavors, highlighting his selflessness and dedication to uplifting the lives of Nigerians, especially the underprivileged. The Alaafin of Oyo noted that Babalola’s success is measured not by material wealth but by the countless individuals whose lives he has positively influenced.
Starting from his law firm, Afe Babalola has nurtured numerous legal talents, producing a remarkable number of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). His law firm, Afe Babalola and Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), has fostered a culture of skill development and professional growth, setting it apart from others in the country.
Afe Babalola’s career began in Ibadan, where he practiced as a litigation lawyer at Olu Ayoola and Co. law firm. In 1965, after two years of legal practice, he established his own law firm. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1987, the highest rank in the Nigerian legal profession. In 2001, he was appointed the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, a position he held until 2008, during which he was recognized as the best Pro-Chancellor of Nigerian Universities in 2005 and 2006.
In 2009, at the remarkable age of 80, Chief Babalola founded the prestigious Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) on a vast expanse of land in Ado Ekiti, with the aim of promoting education in Nigeria. The university’s College of Law has consistently been acclaimed as the best in the country, and in 2013, ABUAD was ranked the second-best private university in Nigeria and 17th among all 136 universities in the nation.
Afe Babalola’s inspirational journey and his unwavering commitment to excellence continue to earn him great admiration in Nigeria. His remarkable contributions to the legal profession, education, and philanthropy make him a true role model for aspiring individuals across the nation.
What is your perspective on this remarkable Nigerian?
