Four distinguished learned gentlemen and an erudite scholar have been honoured by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti for their outstanding contributions to the development of the University and support for the Founder, Aare Afe Babalola.
The honourees were the former Chairman of the former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Hon Justice Yinka Ayoola CRG, CON; Hon Justice Kayode Eso CON,LLD, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and the Founder’s mentor, Late Justice Olu Ayoola. Others were the Director General, Nigerian Law School Dr Tahir Mamman and the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Professor Julius Okogie.
The ceremony which took place on Monday 20th February, 2012 were part of the activities marking the third Founder’s day anniversary of the Institution.
The University Law Gardens was named after Hon Justice Yinka Ayoola. While unveiling the statute erected in his honour, the Jurist explained that he felt humbled by this gesture and it was indeed a great day in his life to have a statute erected in celebration of his fellowship and association with the Founder. He prayed God to continue to honour the Founder and prosper the University. The Director of the Nigerian Law School, Dr Tahir Mamman commissioned the Law Clinic named after him. He thanked the Founder for his kind gestures. The Clinic has four clinical offices, administrative offices and a waiting room.
The late Justice Olu Ayoola who was the Founder’s mentor got a post-humous honour. The Law library was named in his honour. Responding, the son of the late jurist, Mr Dayo Ayoola, thanked the Founder for his kindness and for recognizing his late father’s contributions to Aare’s successful career.
Hon Justice Kayode Eso (rtd) commissioned the 1500 sitting capacity Law auditorium named after him. He described the occasion as a miracle adding that the honour was the greatest he had received in his lifetime. He prayed to God to bless Aare Afe Babalola with long life and good health.
The Moot Court was named after the executive secretary of the National University Commissioned, Prof Julius Okojie. His representative, commissioned the 200 seating capacity. He expressed gratitude to the founder, Aare Afe Babalola for this wonderful gift that will forever remain evergreen.
The acting Provost of the College of Law, Barrister Smaranda Olarinde conducted guests round the facilities.