Elder statesman and Legal colossus, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, has received showers of accolades and encomiums from distinguished Nigerians for his stellar contributions to the growth and practice of the law as well as Legal Education in the country.
The event was at the recent opening of Babalola’s new Ikoyi, Lagos, Branch Office of his Law Firm, Afe Babalola & Co, otherwise known as Emmanuel Chambers.
The event which was graced by members of the Bench and the Bar as well as the Business community saw important personalities such as Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, (a retired Justice of the Supreme Court), Sir Demola Aladekomo, Chairman of Cham Group, Mr. Ebun Sofunde, SAN, Babalola’s own son, Mr. Tunde Babalola, SAN, and other distinguished members of the Inner and Outer Bar spoke glowingly about Babalola’s exploits in the legal profession.
Other eminent Nigerians at the gathering included Hon. Justice Helen Ogunwumiju of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice A. M. Lawal of the Lagos High Court, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mazi Afam Osigwe, President, Nigeria Bar Association, Dr. Koyin Ajayi, SAN, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, Mr. Dele Adesina, SAN, Mr. Festus Fadeyi, Chairman, PanOcean Oil and Prof. Nasiru Tijani of the Nigerian Law School among others.
Speaking at the commissioning, Justice Rhodes-Vivour remarked that it was with profound joy and admiration that he accepted the invitation to be part of such a remarkable milestone in the life of “one of Nigeria’s most illustrious legal institutions”.
He observed that the occasion was far more than the mere expansion of a law practice, stressing that it was “the extension of a vision, a testament to perseverance and a bold step forward in the pursuit of justice and excellence by Afe Babalola, one of Nigeria’s great legal practitioners”.
He described the Legal juggernaut as a driving force behind the great achievement of legal practice, stressing that Babalola had consistently embodied dedication, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
His words: “He has shown what it truly means to live with purpose and to serve with passion”.
Justice Rhodes-Vivour noted that establishing a new fourth branch of the firm is no small feat, noting that it required courage, strategic foresight and an abiding belief in growth.
The Learned Jurist added that the Lagos Office would not only expand access to first-class legal expertise, but it would also serve as an inspiration to young lawyers, while upholding the high standards of justice that society so urgently needed.
He further stated that the opening of a new branch in the heart of Ikoyi is a beacon of professionalism and a symbol of what is possible when vision meets action.
Also speaking, Sir Demola Aladekomo commended Babalola’s sense of industry and contributions to national growth, especially in legal practice and jurisprudence.
According to Aladekomo, “He is not just an educationist, he is the planter of seeds that blossomed into forests of enlightenment. He is not just a philanthropist, but he is living proof that true wealth lies in transformed lives.”
“The Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, which he built, is not only classrooms, but a citadel of discipline, excellence, and vision.”
“He is that farmer who planted knowledge, the advocate who defended truth, the patriot who built enduring institutions. Today, we salute a colossus of law and learning, a man whose greatness is defined by service, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of excellence”.
Sir Aladekomo shared a personal testimony of how Afe Babalola & Co had stood with Chams Plc as far back as 2001 when Aare Afe Babalola and his Chambers rose in defence of his company (Cham Plc) with passion, rigor, and integrity.
He was particularly grateful to Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, Adebayo Adenipekun, SAN, and Mr. Tunde Babalola, SAN, all lawyers in Emmanuel Chambers and who handled the case with fearless professionalism.
His words: “They did not compromise. They did not bribe, nor allow themselves to be bribed. They simply pursued justice compassionately and insisted that it must be done. And indeed, justice was achieved”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Lagos Office and son of Aare Afe Babalola, Mr. Tunde Babalola, SAN, acknowledged what he described as the “towering legacy” of his father and the firm’s Founder. He commended him for saddling him with the responsibility of leading Emmanuel Chambers in Lagos.
Speaking on the vision for the Lagos office, he noted that Lagos is more than Nigeria’s commercial capital, stressing that it is the crossroads where business, finance, and law converge.
He explained that this new office is not merely a physical presence in Ikoyi but is envisioned as a center of excellence where legal innovation will be wedded to practical solutions.The aim, he said, was not only to act as Advocates in the courtroom, but also to serve as trusted advisors in boardrooms, arbitration halls and every arena where the law shapes enterprise and progress.
The younger Babalola outlined the guiding philosophies of Client-Centered Practice, Collaboration, Not Competition and Excellence with Integrity that would shape the firm’s practice in Lagos.
He called on the Bar, the Bench, the business community, academia, and the wider public to join hands with the firm in various forms of collaboration, whether through referrals, joint cases, mentorship, or dialogue that “enriches the practice of law, adding that ‘no vision can be realized in isolation”.
He assured clients and partners that the new Lagos Office would deliver the same discipline, excellence, and creativity that had defined the firm for the past six decades, while renewing its commitment to listening, understanding and tailoring solutions to clients’ needs.
He affirmed that the enduring strength of Emmanuel Chambers lied not only in the results it achieves but, in the trust, respect, and partnerships it nurtures.
Also speaking at the commissioning, Mr. Ebun Sofunde, SAN, expressed immense delight at being present and recalled that he first came to know of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, during his university days when Aare was already a formidable presence at the Bar.
He recalled that their paths finally crossed in the late 1980s, when he had the privilege of appearing as a Junior to the legendary Chief F.R.A. Williams, SAN, in several cases against the University of Lagos, where Aare was lead Counsel for the institution. He further recalled with admiration that Aare also stood as Lead Counsel in the Presidential Election Petition involving Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he represented brilliantly.
Sofunde noted with pride the countless Senior Advocate of Nigeria trace their roots to Emmanuel Chambers, a testament to Babalola’s boundless generosity in nurturing legal talent.
The Learned Silk charged Nigerians to always strive for excellence, which is both inspiring and uplifting. He concluded by congratulating the Firm on its new office, expressing confidence that more branches will soon follow.