You ‘ve a Proud Legacy as Builder of Men, Oyebanji Celebrates Afe Babalola
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday, declared that the Legal Icon and renowned University proprietor, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has immortalized himself by building human resources across Nigeria that will outlive him.
Oyebanji said the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti(ABUAD), has made tremendous impacts in the lives of many Nigerians through his flourishing legal profession and establishment of ABUAD, where thousands of citizens are deriving their livelihoods and enhancing their careers.
The governor gave the commendations at the Annual Afe Babalola Day, held at the place of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, on Saturday.
In his special tribute to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye, posited that Babalola has succeeded in immortalizing himself through huge investments in human capital, that has made him a darling of many.
He said the government of Ekiti State is proud of the achievements and life trajectory of the elderstatesman, who emerged from a humble background and turned out to be a shining light across Nigeria and globally through his industry, innovation, character, honesty and philanthropy.
“The name Afe Babalola is special to us in Ekiti State and particularly to Governor Oyebanji in so many ways.
“Firstly, he is the highest tax payer as an individual in Ekiti State. Secondly, he established the best private university in Ekiti State that makes him the second highest employer of labour after government. Thirdly, he is a leading light in terms of philanthropic gestures for individuals and institutions in our dear state and Nigeria.
“With all these, you have successfully immortalized yourself in the hearts and memories of the people. You have a proud legacy that will be difficult to erase.
“The name Afe Babalola, has become an institution that opens any door in Nigeria and anywhere in African continent. By every standard of measurements, you deserve being immortalized and celebrated, not even on yearly basis, but daily, to appreciate you as a legend and special gift to humanity”.
Oyebanji applauded the solid support being given to his government by the senior lawyer, saying his fatherly and advisory roles have helped in smooth governing of the people by his administration.
Saluting the organisers of the event for deeming it reasonable to celebrate him in grand style, Chief Babalola, said the epic battle for the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, was undertaken, so that all compatriots, including himself, could join the fray in building a state that will have strong economy and successful human resources.
Babalola said he has deployed his entire life serving humanity by looking after their welfare and championing the course of charity to defeat the menace of wanton poverty and destitution that are ravaging the masses.
At the event, the ABUAD’s founder made a donation of N100 million to two cooperative societies, besides the N250 million donated in 2024, to empower the people with low interest loan.
The legal Icon appealed to government to de-emphasize the trend through which people are given food as means of empowerment, saying provision of jobs and boosting access to capital should rather be prioritised.
“What comes to my mind daily and that I am thinking of is the welfare of my people, nothing more. As long as I live, I will continue to live for them”, he said.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, said the history of Ekiti will continue to be kind to the legal colossus and remember him for his immeasurable generosity, kindness and innovations to tackle poverty among the populace.
Oba Adejugbe said Babalola’s sense of communalism has been outstanding and serving as role modeling and propelling force for the younger generations to cultivate the spirit of lending helping hands to the vulnerable.
