An elder statesman and founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has said the country is facing a deep economic crisis, thereby affecting the welfare and safety of its citizens.
Babalola, who demanded concerted efforts from stakeholders to salvage the situation, noted that the nation’s constitution is the root cause of the challenges confronting the country.
The renowned legal icon spoke in Ondo town at the weekend during the 2024 Ekimogun Day celebration, where he was decorated as the “Living Legend of 2024” and inducted into the Ondo Development Committee’s Hall of Fame by the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.
This recognition comes barely seven weeks after he was celebrated and October 18th was declared as “Afe Babalola Day” in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The nonagenarian, represented by the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, called on the traditional ruler and other stakeholders in the country to join his advocacy for a new people’s constitution that would guarantee social and economic prosperity for Nigeria.
He said, “It is common knowledge that Nigeria is going through economic crises, particularly in relation to the safety and welfare of the people. When I was young, and I am talking of over 90 years ago, there was no hunger, there were no thieves, life was safe, and people could go to their forests where they had their farms both during the day and under the moonlight.
“The reason was because the constitution at that time acknowledged a direct rule system, which the colonialists made use of. What this means is that when the colonial masters came, they found that Yoruba kingdoms were so well organised under the Obas. So, they relied on the Obas for the progress of the town.
“This was why, in 1960, the Independence Constitution provided for the House of Chiefs. The chiefs were close to the people, and they were given due recognition. That has been abolished.”
“Let me give you an example of the roles of the Obas and their importance and effectiveness. Some years back, the first armed robbery took place in Ado-Ekiti. The robbers came to the National Bank in broad daylight. The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti was contacted.
“He immediately sent emissaries to all villages surrounding Ado-Ekiti and asked them to block all roads out of Ado-Ekiti, including footpaths. So, when the thieves were done, they headed out of the town, not knowing that the Oba had sent messages to all the people around Ado. They were caught on one of the narrow routes in the forest. Congratulations.
“I have been, and I am still an advocate for a new constitution.
“I urge His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo Jilo III, the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of the Ondo Kingdom, to join me and others in our crusade for a new constitution and the imperative need to bring back the House of Chiefs.”
Babalola commended the revered traditional ruler and the people of the community for the honour, noting that he would continue to contribute towards the development of society.
He reiterated the need for people to reach out to the less privileged in their communities, adding, “The communal values we grew up with—values that encouraged caring for our neighbours and giving back to our communities—must remain the bedrock of our society. These values are evident in today’s celebration, and they must continue to guide us as we forge ahead in unity and purpose.”
Speaking at the event, the Osemawe commended Babalola for his giant developmental strides across the country, particularly the establishment of ABUAD in 2009.
The monarch, whose child attended the 15-year-old university, confirmed that he has been a beneficiary of the quality education provided by the institution.
He enjoined other well-to-do Nigerians to take a cue from the nonagenarian, who has contributed to society through legal practice, agriculture, education, healthcare, philanthropy, and other ventures.
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