The people of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital under the auspices of Ado Progressives Union (APU) have condemned the recent verbal attack by the former governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi on the person of the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola.

The community alleged that Fayemi had in a recent interview while reacting to a statement made by the renowned legal icon, deployed unpleasant words against the nonagenarian.

In a statement jointly signed by the President General of APU, Prince Segun Famuagun; the secretary general, Prince Toyin Akingbade, and the Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Trustees Council, Dr, Adepoju Ajayi noted that Babalola who has and still contributing to the development of the state should be accorded respect as prescribed by the Yoruba culture and tradition, including the holy book.

The statement partly reads, “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.

“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.

“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 Aare 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,” the group said.

APU further said that,”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 to 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,” the group reiterated. (Courtesy, excluding headline, Nigerian Tribune)

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