By Professor Abiodun Ojo
In Honour of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, CON, OFR, Founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
On the Occasion of the 2nd Afe Day, Instituted by His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti—A Life Beyond the Ordinary
In the history of societies, certain individuals rise above personal achievement to embody the collective dreams and moral ideals of their people. For Ekiti State and Nigeria, that figure is Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, CON, OFR — a man whose vision, discipline, and humanity have redefined leadership and service.
Born at Ilotin Quarters, Ado-Ekiti, on October 18, 1928, to Pa Adubiaro Babalola and Madam Abigail Ajayi Babalola, Aare’s journey from humble beginnings to national prominence is a living testament to perseverance and the transformative power of education. Today, October 18 stands as more than a birth date — it is the symbol of a lifetime devoted to progress and purpose.
A Life That Embodies the Ekiti Ethos
Aare’s story is the quintessential Ekiti narrative — one of resilience, intellect, and unwavering faith in hard work. From struggling through the constraints of rural poverty, he rose to become one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds and one of Africa’s greatest philanthropists.
As the Founder and President of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) — ranked #1 in Nigeria, #3 in Africa, and #84 globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings — Aare has redefined education as an engine for innovation, discipline, and societal transformation.
ABUAD: A Living Monument to Excellence
When he founded ABUAD in 2009, Aare Babalola envisioned more than classrooms and degrees. He built an enduring institution of values — one that blends scholarship with entrepreneurship, learning with ethics, and innovation with service.
Today, ABUAD stands as a beacon of excellence and an economic engine in Ekiti State. It has spurred massive infrastructural growth, created jobs, enhanced healthcare, and attracted international partnerships, transforming Ado-Ekiti into a hub of global relevance.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Service
Aare Babalola’s philanthropy is boundless. His recent establishment of two ₦100,000,000 cooperative societies for men and women in Ado-Ekiti underscores his lifelong mission — empowering people through enterprise and education.
Through scholarships, community development, and humanitarian service, Aare has uplifted thousands. His creed is simple yet profound: true wealth lies not in what one owns, but in how many lives one uplifts.
The Case for “Afe Babalola Day”
As Femi Alufa, Publisher of Ekiti Summit News Media Group and Convener of the Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy (JABL), rightly proposes, it is time for the Ekiti State Government to officially declare October 18 as “Afe Babalola Day.”
This day would not merely honour a man; it would enshrine an ethos — a tradition of excellence, discipline, and humanity. It would inspire students, leaders, and citizens alike to emulate a man who turned adversity into achievement and vision into reality.
An official “Afe Babalola Day” would thus serve as a statewide day of reflection, education, and community service, reinforcing Ekiti’s proud identity as “The Land of Honour and Integrity.”
A True Son of Ekiti, A Unifying Figure
Though a native of Ado-Ekiti, Aare’s influence resonates across every part of Ekiti land — from Ijero to Otun, from Ikere to Omuo. He is not just an Ado son but an Ekiti statesman and a unifying force whose benevolence transcends geography and generation.
In human capital development, his record stands unmatched — building people, institutions, and systems that will outlive his generation.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Living, Inspiring the Future
As we mark the 2nd Afe Day, instituted by His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, we celebrate a man who has given everything to God, to humanity, and to his homeland.
Declaring October 18 as Afe Babalola Day will be the ultimate gesture of gratitude — an acknowledgment of one who transformed education, inspired generations, and elevated Ekiti’s name globally.
Let us honour him now, not later — as a living legend of purpose, humility, and progress.
Long may he live.
Long may his legacy flourish.
Long may Afe Day remind us of the power of vision, service, and selfless leadership.
May this day remain a legacy of scholarship, sustainability, and abundance — for Ekiti, for Nigeria, and for humanity.
🖋️ Author’s Bio
Prof. Abiodun Ojo is an Analytical and Forensic Chemist and the current Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
