ILA lauds Afe Babalola over royal recognition

The International Law Association (ILA) has congratulated the Chancellor and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), over the royal proclamation of October 18 as Afe Babalola Day.

On August 23, 2024, Ekiti monarch, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba (Dr) Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III by royal proclamation, directed that the date be so recognised yearly.

He proclaimed: “The Pride of Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola should be honoured and celebrated with pomp and pageantry on every 18th day of October with effect from 2024 and this shall henceforth be celebrated yearly…”

Babalola, a distinguished member of the Bar of England and Wales, is the founding Patron of the ILA Nigeria, a foremost lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a philanthropist and the winner of the African Man of the Year in Food Security (2014 and 2024).

He is the Aare Baamofin of Yoruba Empire, a celebrated advocate of quality and functional education in Nigeria, former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, former Chairman of all Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and the Founder of ABUAD, ranked by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings as number one in Nigeria for impact for three consecutive years: 2022, 2023 and 2024.

He has become one of the handfuls of Nigerians ever to be so honoured.

The President of the ILA Nigeria, who is also a United Nations Independent Expert, Prof Damilola S. Olawuyi (SAN) conveyed the group’s message through a letter.

According to Prof Olawuyi, Babalola’s remarkable journey as a renowned advocate, farmer, philanthropist, educator, bridge builder, author and global citizen is inspiring.

“He is an example of everything we strive to do as international lawyers: to advance global peace, to empower, and to give back to the poorest of the society. His outstanding dedication to educational reform, relentless quest for justice, and exemplary devotion to lifting others through his matchless record of philanthropy make him a deserving recipient of such a rare and prestigious honour.

“We are so proud of our Patron, and we earnestly look forward to organising a World Press Conference on October 18 to celebrate the Afe Babalola Day.” he said.

Founded in 1873 in Brussels, the International Law Association is a learned society dedicated to the study, clarification and development of international law and the advancement of peace, equity and justice worldwide.

The Nigerian Branch regularly organises conferences, workshops and events aimed at promoting the study, elucidation, and advancement of international law.