The International Law Association (ILA) has extended heartfelt congratulations to its esteemed Founding Patron, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, LLD (London), on the historic proclamation of October 18 as Afe Babalola Day by the revered Nigerian monarch, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP.
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In a royal declaration issued on August 23, 2024, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti 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…”
Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, LLD, is a distinguished member of the Bar of England and Wales, a foremost lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a 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. With this royal proclamation, Aare Afe Babalola joins an elite group of Nigerians to be so honored.
In a congratulatory message, the President of the International Law Association, Nigeria, and United Nations Independent Expert, Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN, FCIArb, lauded Aare Afe Babalola’s remarkable journey as a renowned advocate, farmer, philanthropist, educator, bridge builder, author and global citizen, describing it as “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.”
Professor Olawuyi further noted that “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 International Law Association, founded in 1873 in Brussels, 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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