Group Urges Governor Oyebanji To Declare ‘Afe Babalola Day’ As Public Holiday

The Ekiti Youths Home Based (EYHB) group has appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to honor the legal luminary, Afe Babalola, by declaring a specific day each year as ‘Afe Babalola Day’ and making it a work-free public holiday in the state.

In a statement released in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, and conveyed to the press by its convener, Ademola Adedayo, the group emphasized Babalola’s unparalleled contributions to the state’s growth and development as the basis for their request.

Renowned journalist and politician, Babafemi Ojudu, recently highlighted Babalola’s exceptional achievements in education, law, and various sectors, advocating for the state government to recognize his legacy by instituting ‘Afe Babalola Day.’

According to the EYHB statement, Babalola’s illustrious reputation and significant contributions to Ekiti over the years justify the need for such a special honor. Notably, Babalola played pivotal roles in the establishment of the state in 1996, and he remains one of the largest taxpayers, farmers, and employers of labor in Ekiti.

The statement lauded Babalola’s dedication to humanitarian service, his role in promoting education, empowering youth in vocational and agricultural sectors, and his substantial investments that have helped alleviate unemployment.

Highlighting Babalola’s global impact, the statement commended his establishment of the world-class Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), which has brought international recognition to Ekiti.

Moreover, Babalola’s philanthropic endeavors, extending to individuals, organizations, and institutions, were praised as legendary and unmatched.

Babalola, set to celebrate his 95th birthday on October 30, 2024, has earned accolades for his outstanding legal career, including his elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987. His law firm, Emmanuel Chambers, is renowned for producing top-tier legal professionals, including the current Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

The EYHB group’s call for ‘Afe Babalola Day’ reflects a collective acknowledgment of Babalola’s remarkable achievements and a desire to honor his enduring legacy in Ekiti State.