A Senior Advocate of Nigeria,SAN Osaro Eghobamien has lauded the determination of the Founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola in actualizing his dream to establish a well structured ivory tower for the advancement of educational system in the country.
Eghobamien stated this during a tour to the University Premises where he looked around to see what he described as magnificent in academic and critical areas of humanities .
The legal icon recalled the value his late father placed on ABUAD ‘s founder because of Babalola ‘s doggedness and positive views about human transformation.
He made a retrospect to the time Babalola revealed his plan to establish an outstanding University that would properly shape the future of the Youths in Nigeria and the world at large.
Eghobamien. in a press release after his tour round the University gave his assessment about the institution. The press statement made available to New Telegraph in Ado-Ekiti on Monday by the ABUAD Director of Corporate Affairs, Tunde Olofintila reads:
“My late father had great admiration for Aare Afe Babalola SAN, often praising him as “Afe Baba” in a manner that Chief deeply cherished.I came to know Chief personally as a junior lawyer during the epic legal battle of Buhari v. Obasanjo.
“The case lasted an extraordinary 13 months—unmatched in duration. I was part of the legal team led by Mr. Sofunde SAN, representing INEC. Aare Afe led a formidable team for President Olusegun Obasanjo, while Chief Mike Ahamba SAN led an equally distinguished team for General Muhammadu Buhari
“The intensity of that 12-month litigation forged mutual respect and friendship among us, despite differences in age and status. When the case concluded, it felt like we had graduated from the same class.I developed a profound fondness for Aare Afe.
“Though we often debated and disagreed on legal points, I admired his relentless work ethic and unwavering generosity, especially toward young lawyers.I would occasionally travel to Ibadan just to greet him. His work ethic was extraordinary—so dedicated that you would find him at his desk even on a Sunday morning.One day, he shared his dream of building a university. He was 76 years old at the time.
“My expression betrayed my doubts. He simply smiled and said, “I will live long. My mother is 98.” Remarkably, she eventually lived to 114!!With unshakable determination, Aare Afe set the dream into motion.When I visited in 2015, there were only a few scattered buildings, but aare shared his ambitious plans. I promised to return.
“The following year, he even assigned a professor to accompany us to India for a technology conference, supporting the initiative with a generous ₦2.5 million contribution.Unfortunately, I had not kept my promise to visit again—until today.This morning, I decided to fulfil that long-overdue promise. I set out with my son, Ikponmwosa, a computer science student at Carleton University, Canada. I wanted him to witness the excellence a Nigerian university could achieve.
“The six-hour journey to Ado Ekiti was long but rewarding.Aare welcomed us with his characteristic warmth. He was visibly happy to see me. Ever the disciplinarian, he quizzed Ikponmwosa about his education and firmly advised him to aim for nothing less than a 2:1, given the sacrifices made for his education.True to his nature, Aare arranged my stay at the university’s beautiful hotel—at no cost. Meals were served fresh, sourced directly from the vast university farm.Then came the tour, led by Dr. Wahab.I was left speechless.
“The teaching hospital was world-class, rivalling the facilities I had seen in India. The industrial park was equally impressive, producing a wide range of African products on a commercial scale.The university operates its own Independent Power Plant, powered by compressed natural gas. A large lake supplies water to the entire campus. Fish ponds breed, smoke, and sell fish, while a massive mango farm stretches as far as the eye can see.Every faculty member is equipped with state-of-the-art tools.
” The entire environment is pristine, exuding excellence at every turn.I stood there in awe.This entire project began as a dream when Aare was 76. He fully committed to it at 80. Today, at 96, he continues to drive its success with unwavering energy.
“When I visited in 2015, there were only a few buildings. Now, the transformation is breathtaking.This is true exponential growth.I have the deepest respect for Aare Afe Babalola SAN. His vision, resilience, and tenacity are extraordinary.He works every day, including weekends. His schedule is inspiring—starting before 8:30 a.m., pausing at 3:30 p.m., and returning to his desk at 8:30 p.m., often working till 11:00 p.m.Tonight, I am staying over in Ado Ekiti, and it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.I am truly inspired.Whatever you may say, Aare Afe Babalola is making a lasting impact. He is touching lives and building a legacy.
“This is truly remarkable After all, that is what life is truly about”,Eghobamien said.