By Our Reporter
Special Induction, Prayers, and Tributes as Oracle Celebrates 97th Birthday in Grand Style
In a heartwarming surprise, beneficiaries of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, CON, led by Kayegbo’s Publisher and Amuludun of Okemesi-Ekiti, Chief Morakinyo Ogunniyi, in charge of his Hall of Fame in Okemesi-Ekiti, presented a special birthday gift to commemorate his 97th Birthday today, October 18, 2026, at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
I, Chief Morakinyo Ogunniyi (KAYEGBO), the Amuludun of Okemesi-Ekiti and Initiating Coordinator of Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide (ABBW) & Afe Babalola Hall of Fame, alongside ABBW Spokesperson, Femi Alufa, Publisher of Ekiti Summit Magazine, had the rare privilege of presenting ABBW’s special birthday gifts to Aare Afe Babalola at the podium during the colourful birthday programme at ABUAD.
We also presented special publications on his birthday to him and his beloved wife, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, our Life Matron, including eminent legal luminary, Femi Falana, SAN, who bagged a special award during the programme, and other eminent personalities who graced Aare’s 97th birthday celebration.
The Celebrant, Aare Afe Babalola, prayed fervently for Kayegbo and thanked his beneficiaries for keeping his Hall of Fame in Okemesi-Ekiti alive.
Earlier in the morning, by the powers conferred on me by Aare Afe Babalola to recognise anyone who emulates his good works for humanity, I virtually inducted eminent personalities who contributed immensely to the past Afe Babalola Days between 2013-2023, before His Imperial Majesty, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, endorsed the programme as an official Ado-Ekiti festival to celebrate their Afiwajoye for his lifetime in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the creation of Ekiti State and Ado-Ekiti in particular.
Aare’s daughter, Mrs. Folasade Ali, SAN, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of her siblings. Prof. Peter Okebukola, Femi Falana, SAN, Eyesorun Bosede Adejugbe, and Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe, eulogised Aare Afe Babalola for his invaluable contributions to humanity.
All Ewi-in-Council, eminent Nigerians, and Yoruba Obas, including the Oloye of Oye Kingdom, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, graced the birthday programme in their best regalia to rejoice with Aare Afe Babalola, the philanthropist of our time.
The Celebrant, Aare Afe Babalola, was in a happy mood seeing those celebrating him in his lifetime and took note of all that was happening at the programme.
He ordered his security to take all the gifts presented to him to his office at the White Rock. It was indeed the birthday celebration of the year — seeing is believing, and it is good to celebrate our philanthropists during their lifetime.
E-Signed:
Chief Morakinyo Ogunniyi (KAYEGBO),
Publisher, Kayegbo’s International Events Magazine,
The Amuludun of Okemesi-Ekiti,
Initiator/Coordinator, Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide (ABBW) & Afe Babalola Hall of Fame, Okemesi-Ekiti, South-West, Nigeria.
