By Lekan Adejuwon
In a sharp reaction to the controversies generated by a press interview granted to former governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi last week, the leadership of Ado-Ekiti Sons and Daughters under the umbrella of Ado-Ekiti Progressive Union (APU) in conjunction with the Ado-Ekiti Trustees Council has issued a press statement where it expressed its stance on what it described as “the recent verbal assault on Aare Afe Babalola SAN, OFR, CON. through an interview granted by the former Governor – Dr. Kayode Fayemi CON in This Day Newspaper of 20th March 2024.
The union in the press release jointly signed by Prince (Engr) Segun Famuagun, (President-General), Prince Toyin Akingbade, Dr, Adepoju Ajayi Chairman Ado-Ekiti Trustees Council and others said;
“APU as a body of patriotic Ado-Ekiti indigenes holds the ethos and attributes of Yoruba culture in high esteem in guiding our relationship with various stakeholders and furthering the wholesomeness of Yoruba Omoluabi values while placing a high premium on reverence of traditional institutions and respect for our legendary figures. From time immemorial, Ado-Ekiti people have held in awe our king, leaders, elders and parents because they hold positions of trust, authority and responsibility in the society while pursuing egalitarian and cherished values with selfless sacrifice, and genuine love for people and the society.
“We believe strongly in the Yoruba aphorism thus: Agba ki wa loja, ki ori omo titun o wo, that is, The presence of Elders in the society (marketplace), will not allow a newborn (child or younger one) to misbehave (have a disfigured head or clouded vision) (in English).
“Respect for the elderly and care of the aged is sacrosanct in every civilized society where senior citizens are respected for their past role as pathfinders and stabilizers of institutions. Elderly people continue to remain stakeholders, experts and opinion makers in forming public opinion in the political system. Great men of ancient Greece and Rome such as Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Pythagoras, Ceaser and Pontius Pilate and the likes of Roosevelt, Churchhill, John Kennedy and Martin Luther King (Jnr) in 20th Century played their roles just as Ekiti Elders have become strong pillars of support for community development and policy direction in government affairs. No doubt, Aare Afe Babalola SAN,OFR,CON stands in a position occupied by these legends regarded as messengers of God and mediums of human benefaction. It is not new that Ekiti Elders have influenced the political process by keeping our leaders on their toes since the colonial era with a good mention of Chief Arokodare of Ijero, Chief E.A. Babalola of Oye and Egbedi Ajibade of Ado-Ekiti. They were followed by Chief J.E. Babatola of Ado-Ekiti, Chief J. Osuntokun of Okemesi, Chief Olokesusi of Ise, Chief Ade Akomolafe of Ido-Ekiti, Chief Anisulowo of Are, Chief Awodimula of Gboyin and the younger peers notably Gen. (Rtd) R.A. Adebayo of Iyin-Ekiti, Prof. Samuel Aluko of Ode, Chief Akin Omoboriowo of Ijero, Prof. Banji Akintoye of Ado-Ekiti, Arch. Fola Alade of Aramoko, Chief Awoyinka and Chief Dr. N.F. Aina of Otun and Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua of Ikere-Ekiti among others. The surviving legends of those passing glorious generations cannot be forgotten without mentioning Aare Afe Babalola SAN, OFR and Chief Oladeji Fasuan MON.
Aare Afe Babalola SAN, OFR, CON is an Ado-Ekiti legend who rose in the last six decades to national stardom and international pedestal with uncommon pedigree and admiration as a lover of Ekiti people, champion of the Yoruba race and a patriotic Nigerian. The bold statements leading to his recognition came through honours with several chieftaincy titles across Yorubaland capped up by the Alaafin of Oyo Iku Baba Yeye who installed him as Aare Bamofin of Yorubaland about two decades ago. Aare Afe Babalola SAN, OFR has made enormous positive contributions in the fields of law practice, philanthropy, human capital development and higher education unparalleled in Ekiti State and beyond, as a major contributor to the state economy in tax paying and as an employer of labour next to the government, a developer of the local community at grassroots contributing to various state and institutional endowments for greater good and benefit of the people without flaunting the credentials and goodwill of this admirable sage. He stood tall among stakeholders who agitated for the creation of Ekiti State with his financial resources, networking and presentation of the memorandum for the creation of Ekiti State at Mbanefo Panel. No doubt, his home return and personal investment through the creation of ABUAD have reshaped the future of higher education in Nigeria while improving the state economy and eco-tourism in the last 18 years.
“When the ABUAD on 18th March 2024 under the energetic and visionary 96-year-old Aare Afe Babalola brought His Excellency, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, the Governor of Ekiti State to commission the ABUAD Multi-System Hospital at Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti amidst pomp and pageantry, it was not a mere coincidence but a testimony of goodwill. Aare Afe Babalola used the occasion to commend Governor Oyebanji for his achievements in office since October 2022. No doubt, Oyebanji has brought great relief to the state workers as a civil service state with the regular payment of salaries, providing opportunities for state workers to access loans and credit lifeline for the poor and elderly, meeting pensioners’ aspirations by defraying their outstanding pensions and gratuities, increasing allocations to state institutions, paying debts owed by previous administrations, improved infrastructure in road construction and public buildings, a regular visit to accomplished Ekiti Elder statesmen and taking prompt actions in addressing the challenges of insecurity with despatch. Aare Afe Babalola therefore eulogised Governor Oyebanji so that he could do better according to Yoruba aphorism that states thus: Yin ni, Yin ni, Katun semi, that is, continuous praise (positive commendation) is a booster (motivation) for repeated good performance (in English). Aare Afe Babalola’s commendation of Oyebanji’s administration for making Ekiti State witness progress and development despite the economic difficulties facing average Nigerians was apt and logical. No doubt, his comparative analysis of the performances of previous and current administrations was not a run-of-the-mill assessment, but a practical evaluation of the prospects of the current administration.
“Aare Afe Babalola as an internationally recognized jurist and legal mind occupies a position where he can naturally discuss the performances of former Governors of Ekiti State. It was obvious that he did not single out Dr. Kayode Fayemi or any former Governor as a saint or a sinner in his speech. The televised scripts of his statements did not also indicate that he attacked the personality of the past Governors beyond suggesting that their commitment to state affairs in placing a premium on greater sacrifice for political leadership was inadequate though posterity can judge them better. No doubt, the performances of previous administrations are the basis for assessing the current administration and a guide to future ones in voicing out public opinion. Moreover, it is a common practice for lawyers as advocates of the law and public policy to caution leaders not to ignore the law as the pillar of justice on which society thrives. Even in the temple of law, a Jurist can call a lawyer to order or castigate a lawyer before him if he feels unsatisfied or unimpressed.
” In such circumstances, a well-trained and knowledgeable lawyer is expected to accept the views of the Judge in good faith and with equanimity to avoid contempt of court. If the lawyer feels threatened by a Judge, he would explore channels provided by the law or approach the bench at a higher level for a review rather than ridicule or publicly disrespect the Court. This is the height of civility and public conduct in Western culture.
‘We live in Yoruba society where respecting Elders is an age-long tradition as they mentor and play advisory roles in the society with historical reference to the old Oyo Empire where the Oyo Mesi and Ogboni exist just as the Council of Chiefs emerged in most Yoruba towns and villages and survived till date with elderly people who manages local affairs and families. The Council of Obas (traditional rulers) continues to play similar constitutional roles in today’s government to stabilize the democratic process and guarantee citizens’ participation in governance at the grassroots while civil societies and activists pursue citizens’ rights by critiquing leaders just as the academic scholars critique existing works to advance knowledge.
“It is therefore unfortunate that Dr. Kayode Fayemi threw caution to the wind in the dailies and on social media by assaulting our intelligence through his outburst against Aaare Afe Babalola SAN, OFR leaving much sour taste in the mouth than desired. It is foolhardy as a former Governor to find it convenient and reasonable to take a swipe and insult Aare Afe Babalola SAN, OFR by personalizing his comments without regard for his status, our community and his matchless contributions as an iconic figure in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria and the legal profession at large. Even if Aare Afe Babalola did not meet Dr. Fayemi’s expectations, there was no proper justification for an assault on his person. Such a negative reaction has done more damage to our psyche than imagined. We hope that Dr. Kayode Fayemi will not trample upon our cherished Yoruba culture and sense of decorum because of egoistic burdens or self-aggrandizement.
“To us, it is an aberration to publicly tongue-lash or disrespect an elderly and fatherly figure, needless to mention, someone older than our parents. Let us, therefore, sound a note of caution to all political proselytes and gladiators, co-travellers and beneficiaries joining issues with Dr. Fayemi to disparage our revered Aare Afe Babalola SAN, OFR that Ado-Ekiti people hold him in high esteem as an institution and that we condemn any disparagement and disrespect of his person with all sincerity and honesty. To us, it is like a war declaration on Yoruba tradition, Ekiti noble culture, the Ewi institution and our good and peace-loving people. It is better to call those involved to order before it is too late because there are ways and means of resolving Elders’ and younger persons’ differences like father-children misunderstandings in Yorubaland beyond the pages of newspapers and social media. The Christian faith professed by Dr. Kayode Fayemi would not encourage him to disparage elders because the Bible says honour your father and your mother that your days may be long. For a leader to remain respected in the community, he must be ready to tolerate others and respect those ahead of him irrespective of their differences. It is wiser for a leader to retrace his steps when he makes an error than to justify it.
The peace-loving people of Ado-Ekiti shall continue to stand by Aare Afe Babalola SAN, OFR, CON while condemning all attempts to denigrate or disrespect him. A word is enough for the wise.
“For and on behalf of ADO-EKITI Sons and daughters”
