The International Law Association (ILA) has congratulated the Chancellor and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), on the royal proclamation of October 18 as Afe Babalola Day by the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III.
It will be recalled that Oba Aladesanmi had on August 23, by royal proclamation directed that: “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 annually…”
By this royal gesture, Aare Afe Babalola becomes one of the few Nigerians ever to be so honoured.
The President of the International Law Association, Nigeria, who is also a United Nations Independent Expert, Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, (SAN), in a letter of congratulations described Aare Afe Babalola as a living legend and foremost mentor adding that the honour is rare and prestigious.
According to Professor Olawuyi, SAN “Aare Afe Babalola’s remarkable journey as a renowned advocate, farmer, philanthropist, educator, bridge builder, author and global citizen is an inspirational 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 organizing a World Press Conference on October 18 to celebrate the Afe Babalola Day.” the learned silk concluded.
Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) is the founding patron of the International Law Association, Nigeria; distinguished member of the Bar of England and Wales, a foremost lawyer, philanthropist, winner of the African Man of the Year in Food Security (2014 and 2024), 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 the prestigious Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) ranked by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings as number one in Nigeria for impact for three consecutive years: 2022, 2023 and 2024, No. 4 in Africa, and No. 142 amongst the 2,152 universities ranked globally in 2024.
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 organizes conferences, workshops and events aimed at promoting the study, elucidation, and advancement of international law.
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