Obasanjo, others to storm Ekiti for Afe Babalola Day
By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other dignitaries from across the country will converge on Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on 18 October to celebrate the legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola.
Addressing a press conference at the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, the co-chairman of the planning committee, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, said the event, organised by the indigenes of Ado-Ekiti, is part of the activities to honour the legal icon.
Senator Ojudu, who is also the co-chairman of the event, explained that the decision to honour Aare Babalola was in recognition of his numerous contributions to the development of Ado, adding that Oba Adejugbe had consulted relevant stakeholders before arriving at the decision.
Giving highlights of the celebration, Ojudu, a former lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said the purpose of the event is to celebrate legal icons who have made significant contributions to the state and country in the areas of education, law, health, and agriculture, among others.
According to him, the celebration of Afe Babalola Day, which is the maiden edition, aims to continuously honour indigenes who are excelling in their various fields of endeavour.
He said, “Great people are often honoured after their death, but Ado-Ekiti wishes to set a new standard by honouring our living heroes, so as to further encourage others to contribute positively to their community.
“Since Afe Babalola became an adult, he has committed himself to the development of this town and state, even when the state was part of Ondo State.
“Not fewer than 20 lawyers who have served in his chambers have become Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), and not fewer than four have become Attorneys-General of this country.
“He is a very generous man, always willing to give, and that is why God has preserved him for us,” he added.