Publisher of The ELITES Magazine, Kemi Akinyemi, has released a new book documenting the life, career and contributions of renowned legal practitioner and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola, SAN.
The book, titled Afe Babalola (SAN): A Dynamo of Excellence in Law, Education, Philanthropy & Farming, examines Babalola’s journey from humble beginnings in Ado-Ekiti to becoming one of Nigeria’s prominent legal practitioners and an influential figure in education, agriculture and philanthropy.
Akinyemi, a journalist, writer and former Assistant Editor of TheNEWS magazine, said the publication was inspired by Babalola’s achievements and his commitment to using his success to create opportunities for others.
The book draws on interviews, profiles, tributes and personal accounts to explore different aspects of his life, including his legal career, educational investments, farming activities and philanthropic interventions.
Born into a farming family, Babalola pursued his education through private study and correspondence before obtaining degrees in Economics and Law from the University of London. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1963 and attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987.
Beyond his legal career, the publication highlights his contributions to education, particularly through the establishment of Afe Babalola University, which reflects his vision of expanding access to quality higher education in Nigeria.
It also documents his support for educational development through scholarships, donations of facilities and other interventions aimed at improving learning opportunities for students and institutions.
On philanthropy, the book highlights several projects associated with Babalola, including the construction of the Centre for Nuclear Medicine at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and the donation of auditoriums to the Faculties of Law at the University of Lagos and the University of Ado-Ekiti.
Other interventions featured include support for the African Heritage Library in Ibadan and the construction of Bar Centres for branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in Ibadan and Ado-Ekiti.
The publication also explores Babalola’s longstanding interest in agriculture, which dates back to his childhood. His farming activities include fish farming, poultry, piggery, teak plantations and the cultivation of food and cash crops.
According to Akinyemi, one of the defining aspects of Babalola’s life is his belief that personal achievements should translate into opportunities and improved living conditions for others.
The book features tributes from prominent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, alongside contributions from jurists, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, academics, business leaders, associates and members of the Babalola family.
Veteran journalist Dare Babarinsa wrote the foreword, titled The Seven Lives of Aare Afe Babalola, reflecting on the different dimensions of Babalola’s contributions to law, education, farming, public service, administration and philanthropy.
An exclusive interview with Babalola is also included, in which he reflects on his early life, entry into the legal profession, family, personal philosophy, passion for agriculture and commitment to philanthropy.
Akinyemi said the publication was intended to preserve the story of a life built around hard work, discipline, excellence and service to humanity, while offering younger generations lessons on perseverance and the responsible use of success.
She added that Babalola’s legacy should be measured not only by his professional accomplishments but also by the institutions he has established and the lives his interventions have touched.
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