Members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have been charged to expedite action on the declaration of Afe Babalola, in recognition of the huge contributions of the legal icon and founder, Aare Afe Babalola.
Acting under the aegis of Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide (ABBW),the group said since prominent Ekiti sons and daughters have endorsed the need to celebrate the living Legend, the Assembly which the Representatives of the people should not look the other way .
A statement by the Coordinator and spokesperson of the group ,Chief Solomon Ogunniyi Morakinyo and Femi Alufa Esq.resprctively described Aare Afe Babalola as the greatest Ekiti mand a beacon of hope and inspiration to the younger generation.
The group argued that Aare Afe Babalola, with the support of Ekiti traditional Rulers and eminent Ekiti people across the globe used his good offices , through his client, Seriki N’ Sha sha in Ibadan to link Gen. Sani Abacha of blessed memory to fight for the creation of Ekiti State in 1996.
He added value and dignity to Ekiti State by establishing a world-class university, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti(ABUAD), apart from state government, his university is the highest employer of labour in the state.
He is the highest tax payer in Ekiti State till date right from the old Ondo State.
He even represented Ekiti people at Mbanefo Panel in Akure, to defend the need for the creation of the state.
His Multi-System Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti is of global standard. Seeing is believing!
The statement reads ” Afe Babalola farm in Ado Ekiti is bigger than some towns in Nigeria. His farm produce have been packaged and sold across the country.He has produced many Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Judges, state and National Attorneys-General from his Chamber. He has touched uncountable lives positively more than any Ekiti person in history either living or dead.
“It is therefore imperative for the Ekiti State House of Assembly to pass a bill to declare the Afe Babalola Day and honour the living legacy of Aare Afe Babalola and inspire our children, grandchildren and generations to come.
“It is time to honour this living legend whose inspirational story, legacy of outstanding achievements and impact on our society cannot be erased on the sands of time.” It added