Boss Picks

Battle of the Royals: The Ooni vs Alaafin: Who Blinks First?

Published

6 months ago

August 24, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Just like it happened in 1991, what started as a mere traditional exercise of authority, has blossomed into a bitter rivalry rooted in the quest for superiority. It is the battle of two Yoruba royals, two prominent ethnic monarchs; the Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and his Oyo counterpart, the Alaafin of Oyo His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.

In 1991, the then Ooni, Okunade Sijuwade and the then Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi, had been locked in a war of supremacy as a result of the Sijuwade’s conferment of chieftaincy honours on Chief Tom Ikimi, the then Chairman of the National Republican Convention (NRC). Lamidi had protested, stressing that the Ooni has no such powers in Yorubaland, adding that he, the Alaafin, is the only one permitted to exercise such authority, legally and traditionally.

Ooni Sijuwade had boasted that “The crown on the Alaafin of Oyo’s head, which qualified him to be a traditional ruler was given to him by the Ooni of Ife.

“I can withdraw his crown by evoking the special power conferred on me at the temple of Oduduwa, and he will become an ordinary citizen of this country.”

In response, the Alaafin Adeyemi responded, also harshly that “Certainly, 1000 Oonis put together cannot dethrone the Alaafin.”

Describing Sijuwade’s actions as the blasphemy of the Year, Lamidi appealed to the then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, and the Oyo State Governor, Abdulkareem Adisa to call the Ooni to order.

“It pleased God, the king of kings, the wish and determination of my people and well meaning Nigerians to put me on the throne of my forefathers, and it is with him, Allah, that all powers and authority lie,” Lamidi had said, further accusing Ooni of not being one of the sons of Oduduwa, who is revered as the progenitor of the Yoruba race.

But with the coming of Oba Ogunwusi as the new Ooni following the death of Sijuwade, things began to look better. Ogunwusi, who was said to be determined to end whatever feud in existence, paid visits to Alaafin Lamidi, and he was received. The Yoruba nation heaved a sigh of relief in partial belief that the cat and rat-like relationship previously experienced has ended.

Though another conflict arose in 2018 when Ogunwusi credited the Igbo race as offshoot of Oduduwa. Lamidi quickly rose in disagreement.

But many years after, and even with Sijuwade and Lamidi having joined their ancestors, another brouhaha has erupted. Ooni Sijuwade died in 2015 after 35 years on the throne, while Alaafin Adeyemi died in 2022 after 52 years on the throne.

This new crisis started when the Ooni bestowed the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman, Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of 2geda, an indigenous social media and business networking platform, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan.

According to the Ooni, Sanusi’s unparalleled commitment to the cultural and economic growth of the Yoruba race forms the basis for conferring the title on him.

The development did not go down with the Alaafin of Oyo, who strongly criticised the decision of the Ooni of Ife, noting that the Ooni does not have the power and right to confer honours that cover the entire Yorubaland.

Oba Owoade, in a move that shocked the entire Yorubaland race and the nation generally, demanded that the title be revoked within a timeline of 48 hours or the Ooni should “face the consequences.”

“The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test. The Alaafin hereby demands revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 hours or face the consequences.”

The Alaafin further argued that the Ooni’s jurisdiction on conferment of titles was limited, stressing that “The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi during his installation specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three local governments, viz: Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.”

He further warned against attempts to undermine his peace-building efforts across Yorubaland, recalling his earlier appeal to traditional rulers to work for unity.

“It is the joy of our forefathers for us to be in unity, and they did their part in ensuring peace and unity in Yorubaland. We must also strive to achieve this. God Himself is involved in our matter; therefore, we must always, at all times, be concerned about the peace and unity of Yorubaland. We say we want development, but no meaningful and sustainable development will come without peace and unity.

“But it seems the Ooni of Ife is misconceiving the Alaafin, Paramount with the Heart of Gold, and his peace initiative as a sign of weakness, hence taking decisions that are not only ultra vires but derogatory to the Titan of Yorubaland,” the Alaafin said.

In his response, the Ooni downplayed any supremacy battle with the Alaafin, describing the 48 hours ultimatum to withdraw the Okanlomo of Yorubaland Chieftaincy title conferred on Sanusi as empty threats of a dead empire.

In a statement by the Ooni’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, the Ife monarch said he awaits the elapse of the 48 hours ultimatum.

Posting on his social media page, Olafare wrote: “The Ooni is busy setting up businesses and creating jobs for youths across Yorubaland, they are busy fighting supremacy that does not exist. Dead empire.

“Their 48-hour ultimatum will soon lapse. We are waiting. Dead Empire. Ooni plans for the groundbreaking and launching of the Ojaja smart city in Ibadan, the biggest in Africa, someone is somewhere busy issuing 48 hours empty threats.

“Where does this king (Ooni) have time for supremacy hullabaloo? Issuing 48-hour ultimatum over a Chieftaincy title that doesn’t even exist.”

Speaking to newsmen, the Ooni said “Forget supremacy, we have only one boss, and that’s our God. He is the supreme being. He’s the king of kings. Who are we, all of us in this world? We are all His subjects. So, what I’m trying to do for Yorubaland is to see how we can unite. United we stand, divided we fall! The day we unite in Yorubaland, we’ll realize how powerful we are.”

Prior to the immediate altercation, matters have been brewing negatively between the two monarchs. Recall that in May, during an event hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Alaafin was seen remaining seated while other monarchs stood to greet the Ooni.

Also in June, another video depicting both monarchs shunning greetings at the West African Economic Summit in Abuja, went viral.

Though both palaces denied any rift, it’s obvious that between the monarchs, there’s basically no love lost.

In the last few days, when the Yoruba traditional conflict resurfaced, quite a lot of individuals; prominent and otherwise, have lent their voices for and against Ooni and Alaafin, depending on the divide one is viewing from.

While many has given verdict to the Ooni as the supposed custodian of the Oduduwa legacy and the monarch, who lives and manages the Ile-Ife source of the Yoruba genealogy, others have looked towards the Alaafin, citing his relationship with the British colonial government as a go-between for the Yoruba kingdom.

But a source has told The Boss that what is playing out today may not be unconnected to differences in political leaning as it was in 1991 when Sijuwade was more of a Social Democratic Party (SDP) man as opposed to Adeyemi having bias for the NRC. However, our source has failed to elaborate on the leaning of the two prominent Yoruba leaders in today’s Nigerian politics.

Recalling history on the latest rift, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, said he had reached out to Yoruba leaders to mediate in the crisis.

He said the intervention of cultural and political leaders alike is being sought to quell the lingering crisis and avert reopening of wounds.

Adams said, “It is an issue between two fathers. I have been calling Yoruba leaders to look for a way to resolve it. We don’t want the unity of the Yoruba land to be tampered with now.

“I will be in touch with the two fathers. I will talk to them, but I have talked to some of the Yoruba leaders that we should weigh in on the issue. Before I became Aare Onakakanfo, I had been very, very close to the palace of Ooni. At the same time, I was very close to the late Alaafin.

“So I see them as two fathers. Anything that happens between your two fathers, you must look for a way to resolve it amicably. We don’t want to open our old wounds in public.”

“It’s an issue that will be resolved by the Yoruba leaders soon. Our political figures have a role to play, too.

“Apart from the individual leaders in social culture, our political leaders have a role to play, and our real fathers have a role to play. We know that the issue has been lingering for a long time. But in the long run, I believe it will be resolved soon.”

In the same vein, the Yoruba Council of Council (YCE), has lent their voice to the lingering agelong crisis, urging restraint.

Speaking through its Secretary-General, Oladipo Oyewole, the group tasked the governments of Osun and Oyo States to urgently intervene to prevent aberration by the two monarchs.

He called for a thorough revisit into history to ensure that the royal fathers uphold culture in a proper perspective.

“The Yoruba Council of Elders has been inundated with inquiries on the unfortunate incident in which our royal father, Kabiyesi Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are in a serious disagreement over the rites of their offices and/or responsibilities as torch bearers for our culture.

“History has to be understood to sort out the issue in a proper perspective. Pending when that will be done, there is no gainsaying that any action that goes beyond the ‘Omoluwabi ethos’ must be avoided by the royal fathers.

“In this case, the government of both Osun and Oyo states ought to swiftly come to the aid of our motherland by putting measures in place to contain any aberration by the royal fathers. This is an urgent situation.”

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF OONI/ALAAFIN SUPERIORITY CONFLICT

Giving a historical perspective to the conflict, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, backed the Ooni as head of all kings in Yoruba land.

The Organising Secretary of the group, Abagun Omololu, blamed the British for the confusion after dividing the Yoruba land into several provinces to facilitate administration.

Omololu’s chat with The Punch is prwsented as follows: “During the colonial period, the British deliberately divided Yorubaland into several provinces to facilitate administration, grouping different divisions or districts. By the 1920s, 1940s, the principal provinces comprised: Oyo Province – encompassing Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Osogbo, Ede, Iwo, and Ilesa; Ondo Province – including Ondo, Owo, and the Ekiti districts (Ado, Ijero, Ikere, Ise/Emure, Ikole), as well as Akoko. Ijebu Province – covering Ijebu Ode, Remo, and Egbado (later Yewa); Abeokuta Province – comprising the Egba towns of Abeokuta, Ibara, Ake, Owu, and others; Colony Province (Lagos) – Lagos and surrounding settlements such as Epe, Ikorodu, and Badagry.”

The paper quoted Omololu as saying that the Alaafin’s authority was confined to Oyo province and constituent towns, while the Ooni’s supremacy transcended provincial boundaries, claiming that the evidence of the Ooni’s supremacy is epitomised in the fact that all Yoruba lineages trace their origin to Ile-Ife.

“It is, therefore, historically evident that the Alaafin’s power was largely confined to Oyo Province and its constituent towns. While the Alaafin exercised temporal and political authority within this domain, he never held control over all Yoruba towns. By contrast, the Ooni of Ife’s supremacy transcended provincial boundaries, resting on spiritual, ancestral, and cultural legitimacy. All Yoruba lineages trace their origin to Ile-Ife, recognising the Ooni as the primordial custodian of their heritage.

“Thus, whereas the defunct Oyo Empire’s political dominion was geographically limited, the Ooni’s authority as ‘first among equals’ endured across Yorubaland, encompassing every Yoruba town, including Oyo itself. The distinction is clear: temporal might does not equate to spiritual or cultural primacy, and colonial records consistently reinforced this hierarchy,” he said, adding that the Ooni was revered by all Yoruba kings, including the Alaafin, as the spiritual head of the race.

“While the Alaafin of Oyo retained historic prestige as a symbol of the Oyo Empire’s political might, the Ooni of Ife was superior in colonial recognition as the spiritual head of the entire Yoruba nation. This was not a power imposed by the British, but rather one they acknowledged, codified, and used in their provincial administration,” Abagun said.

Also speaking, a legal practitioner, Pelumi Olajengbesi, interviewed by The Punch, said the Ooni was within his powers as custodian of Yoruba identity to confer the Okanlomo title on Sanusi.

Olajengbesi held that “no Supreme Court judgment or constitutional instrument vests exclusive pan-Yoruba jurisdiction in the Alaafin.”

He added, “With the greatest respect, the oft-cited Supreme Court decision that purportedly vested Alaafin authority now exaggerated must be properly confined to its facts. Judicial pronouncements are case-specific, and no ratio decidendi of that court has ever declared the Alaafin the sole custodian of Yoruba legitimacy. No statute in any Yoruba-speaking state vests exclusive authority in the Alaafin to confer titles of pan-Yoruba significance, and the court cannot by judicial fiat extend such jurisdiction.

“The law is clear, history is unambiguous, and jurisprudence is settled. The Ooni of Ife has not usurped power; he has exercised it intra vires—lawfully, historically, and culturally. He remains the ancestral father of the Yoruba nation, and his competence to confer honours symbolic of unity is beyond reproach.”

The legal practitioner asked that the Alaafin should be properly advised, as he argued that Ile-Ife is acknowledged as the cradle of the existence of the Yoruba people.

“Every student of Yoruba history knows, tradition and scholarship unanimously affirm Ile-Ife as the cradle of existence of the Yoruba people, the primordial seat where Oduduwa, progenitor of the race, laid the foundation of legitimacy from which all kingdoms, including Oyo, derived their authority.

“As a lawyer, I find no legal, historical, or moral defect in the Ooni’s conferment of the title Okanlomo of Oodua on Chief Dotun Sanusi, an illustrious Yoruba son. On the contrary, it is a timely reminder that while empires rise and fall, the foundation of Yoruba identity, the Ile-Ife and the Ooni, remain timeless, indivisible, and unimpeachable. The Alaafin of Oyo should be properly advised,” Olajengbesi added.

THE POLITICAL ORIGIN/BACKGROUND OF THE OONI-ALAAFIN CRISIS

In a long narrative, a Yoruba scholar, Elder Adeyemi Sijuwade, has presented what in his opinion, explains the origin of the power tussle between two of the most important monarchs in Yorubaland. He wrote:

OONI/ALAAFIN SUPREMACY CONTEST – THE FACTS OF HISTORY AS PER 1888 TREATY AND 1903 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GAZETTE BY THE BRITISH COLONIAL RULER SETTLES THE MATTER

It is quite unfortunate that this issue has to rear its ugly head again. With the death of Alaafin Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who came to the throne with the mindset of revenge of the perceived enemies of his Father Alaafin Adeniran Adeyemi II, who was deposed from the throne and banished to Ilesa, Osun State before his subsequent demise in Lagos.

It’s on record that the young Lamidi Adeyemi was the son that was detailed by the family to be attending to his Father’s comfort and needs at home and this subsequently affected his education which was limited to ordinary West Africa School Certificate with which he worked at the Lagos City Council and later at Royal Exchange Insurance Company before ascending to the throne of Alaafin of OYO Kingdom.

Fact check to history as per the copy of the Signing Of The Treaty Of 3RD JULY 1888 Between Her Majesty The Queen Of England & Ireland and The Alaafin Of Oyo and Head Of Yorubas.

With this fact, it was incontrovertible that Alaafin was the Political Head in Charge Of Yoruba Administration even after the Fulani Feudalist had sacked the OYO Empire and took over the control of the Headquarters of the Empire of Oyo Ile now in present day Kwara State, North Central of Nigeria.

The safety flight of Alaafin Of OYO with the remnants of his defeated Armies now migrated Southwards and were made to settle in about 3 Settlements before finally finding a safety abode in AGO OYO now renamed OYO and taken as the OYO of the Old History.

The wranglings between the Late ASIPA OF OYO CHIEF AMUDA OLORUNKOSEBI AND LATE ALAAFIN LAMIDI ADEYEMI III speaks volume of the claims of ASIPA as the rightful Land Owner of the present OYO.

Please note that the CHIEFTANCY TITLE OF ASIPA has been Approved And Gazetted by the OYO STATE GOVERNMENT as 2ND CLASS OBA with STAFF OF OFFICE and no longer a Chief under the Alaafin Of Oyo.

What now becomes the relevance of ASIPA TITLE among the OYOMESI will now become subject of debate in the modern day history.

For ease of reference, the crisis between AKARIGBO OF REMO AND ELEPE OF EPE that started in 1899 (11 Years After The Treaty) on the matter of Beaded Crown between AKARIGBO AND ELEPE brought to fore the Paramount Position and Supremacy of the OONI OF IFE in YORUBA LAND.

At the explosion of the Civil Strife Between the AKARIGBO AND ELEPE which led to serious Bloodshed, Loss of Life and Carnages, the cause of the strife was the issue of ELEPE OF EPE wearing Beaded Crown without the Authority Of AKARIGBO OF REMO.

After a prolonged Riot that led to destructions of lives and properties, the then British Government intervened in the matter.

The then Government contacted the ALAAFIN OF OYO for his intervention but ALAAFIN politely told the Government that the OONI OF IFE was their Father and he was the only one vested with the Authority on the Beaded Crown for all the YORUBA OBAS.

The GOVENOR then personally visited the OONI OF IFE for his intervention to settle the matter and requested for his presence in Lagos.

The IFE PALACE told the GOVERNOR that it was a TABOO for OONI to leave ILE IFE but the GOVERNOR insisted that he has the mandate of the KING OF ENGLAND to prevail on OONI to help resolve the BEADED CROWN issue.

The details of what the Government provided to meet the demand of OONI is in the records at the National Archives.

With no dissenting voice from any OBA in the Western Region including the OBA OF BENIN who attested to the SUPREMACY OF OONI, the INQUIRY was held at LAGOS CITY HALL on the 1ST APRIL 1901 and it was stated by the OONI OF IFE that ELEPE OF EPE had no right to the Beaded Crown and that AKARIGBO OF REMO was right in his actions to demand for removal of the Crown from ELEPE.

The OONI OF IFE consequently presented the List Of Yoruba Obas who are entitled to the Beaded Crown and what Traditional Materials to be presented before being given the Crown.

The Government Gazette of 28TH FEBRUARY 1903 has put to rest the issue of the most Paramount Ruler in Yoruba Land.

It was on the strength of the above that there was no contest between the OONI And ALAAFIN through out the Colonial Rule. Constitution Of the First Council Of Obas Meeting in Oyo in 1934 in which the OONI OF IFE was the CHAIRMAN of the meeting with 4 other OBAS and the Governor in attendance.

The Attendance List is as follows –
(1) OONI OF IFE
(2) ALAAFIN OF OYO
(3) OBA OF BENIN
(4) ALAKE OF ABEOKUTA. (Now ALAKE of Egba Land)
(5) AWUJALE OF IJEBU ODE (Now AWUJALE of Ijebu Land)

The venue of the meeting was subsequently rotated at the domains of the OBAS listed above and in all the meetings, OONI OF IFE presided over all. Records available at the National Archives attest to this fact.

Please note that the Immemorial Advertorial included with this write up was to show to the readers that the then 8TH OBANIKORO OF LAGOS – AJAYI BEMBE (1897 – 1906) was the INTERPRETER BETWEEN THE OONI OF IFE AND THE GOVERNMENT.

It was further stated in the reports that were Gazetted that all YORUBA OBAS vacated their PALACES and Sleeping Outside The Walls Of Their Palaces on hearing the News that OONI was on his way to Lagos and remains there until his return back home and it was even stated that the ALAAFIN OF OYO was outside his Palace for the duration.

That Late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 fought tooth and nail to regain the throne back to his family line with just one King Ruling after the deposition of his Father for which he deserved a BIG APPLAUSE.

He tried desperately to rewrite the History of the formation of the Council of Obas and Chiefs but he never succeeded.

Despite ganging up with few other Obas like Soun Of Ogbomosho, Olubadan Of Ibadan, Owa Of Ilesa in leading a revolt calling for the Rotation Of Chairmanship Position of OYO State Council Of Obas from its Permanent Position Of OONI OF IFE, he never succeed.

However, at the Creation Of Osun State and with the exit of OONI from OYO State to Newly created OSUN State, the opportunity finally presented itself for ALAAFIN to be the Chairman Of OYO State Council Of Obas & Chiefs.

Having forgotten the earlier unwholesome alliance with the Obas mentioned above for Rotational Chairmanship, he occupied the office.

Unfortunately, after the expiration of his 2years tenure and Olubadan Of Ibadan was to occupy the seat as per their previous agreement before the exit of OONI, the ALAAFIN reneged on the agreement and resigned from the Council because he couldn’t stand seeing OLUBADAN or SOUN who were promoted from BAALE in 1977 to OBA to be presiding over meetings where he will be present.

With all of the above and other records available at the National Archives, readers are free to their opinions and to change the Gazette on this issue or legal option can be resorted to.

Whilst the majority of YORUBA LEADERS are still trying to reposition YORUBAS to its Old Glory of History which made OONI ADESOJI ADEREMI and CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO to fight for the reclamation of the rights of the Yorubas in Kogi and Kwara State.

Please note that at the creations of States in 1967 in which Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the VICE CHAIRMAN FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, he influenced the Creation Of CENTRAL WESTERN STATE with ILORIN as the CAPITAL and COLONEL DAVID BAMIGBOYE as the GOVERNOR.

Unfortunately, due to the shenanigans of some Influential Fulanis wearing the toga of Religions with few Uncultured Yorubas playing on their intelligence, they demanded for a change of name and it was subsequently renamed KWARA State – the name of a small River that serves Pastoralist Herdsmen.

Whilst the rest is now History but
there was one loud and visible gain for it in that the OLOFA OF OFFA Was Able To Have His CROWN AND SHOES BACK WITH THE SAME TREATMENT FOR OTHER YORUBA OBAS ANYTIME THERE IS A MEETING OF TRADITIONAL RULERS WHERE EMIR OF ILORIN WILL BE PRESENT.

May the Almighty God continue to Bless The Soul Of the LATE BRIGADIER DAVID BAMIGBOYE for putting an end to that SLAVISH BEHAVIOR.

I have a Culled Article On How Oloofa Of Offa Got His Crown & Shoes Back Written By A Concerned Yoruba Man .

The vengeance of the ALAAFIN AOLE On APOMU TOWN around 1759 was what led to the Beginning Of The End Of OYO EMPIRE with the refusal of AARE ONAKAKANFO AFONJA in taking further directives from Alaafin.

It would be recalled that the Young PRINCE AOLE has his youthful working career in APOMU, IKIRE & ORILE OWU AXIS trading in Woods & Planks.

He was reported to be involved in a shady deals in the selling and buying that would have earned him a jail sentence but just a punishment of 12 Strokes of Cain at the Order Of Kabiyesi ALAPOMU OF APOMU, the rest are in the History Books for more details.

LAST LINE: WHEN THE CELESTIAL BATTLES THE TERRESTRIAL

For a crisis that has lingered for over a century, with no party willing to bat an eyelid, the end may not be soon. It is more more disheartening that while the Yoruba are trying and beginning to find their feet in the Nigerian geographical expression, it is being consumed by its own inability to harness tradition to proper use.

It must be made clear who between the celestial leader and the terrestrial leader, is the ultimate leader of the Yoruba.

Notwithstanding, as difficult as it may seem, the solution requires just one party to blink, and peace is back to reckoning. But who will blink first? The Ooni or the Alaafin?

Time will tell!

Boss Picks

Ag. IGP Olatunji Disu: The Rise of a Diligent Officer

Published

4 days ago

February 28, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Considering the outpour of love and cheers that greeted the appointment of now Acting Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, it’s indeed within limit to conclude that the soon-to-turn 60 years old officer is one of the finest and most diligent still in service.

During the week, the presidency the resignation of the erstwhile Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who though it was said he resigned as a result of family issues that require his urgent attention, a cross section of Nigerians believe that the immediate past IGP was sacked by President Bola Tinubu, paving the way for the assumption of his successor, Ag IGP Disu.

Disu therefore, becomes the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police after Egbetokun, whose nearly three years tenure was marred by scandals and struggle for legitimacy. Some saw his last one year in office as unwarranted and undeserved as his statutory mandate as a Nigerian Police officer ended in 2025. But Tinubu, in his magnanimity extended his tenure by another four years. Egbetokun therefore, earned the ‘illegal IG’ tag by Nigerians, especially among civil rights campaigners.

A former presidential aspirant and activist, Omoyele Sowore, was one of Egbetokun’s biggest critics. Egbetokun served as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police from 19th June 2023 to 24th February 2026.

Until his appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 2025.

Before then, he served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and was later redeployed by Egbetokun to the FCT as commissioner.

The former AIG is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a former Head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force, a position previously held by Abba Kyari.

Tunji Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos Island and enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992.

Over the course of his career, he has served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in several locations, including Ago Iwoye in Ogun State, Ikare and Owo in Ondo State, as well as Elimbu and Elelenwo in Rivers State.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF DISU’S CAREER TRAJECTORY

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, born on 13th April, 1966, hails from Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State. His educational qualifications include: MSC Entrepreneurship, NOUN (2023); MSC Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology, LASU (2022); Advanced Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Intelligence, UNILAG (2019), MSC, Public Administration, Adekunle Ajasin University (2010), PGD International Relations and Strategic Studies, LASU (2000) and B.A English (Education), LASU (1990).

He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on 18th May, 1992, and brings to the office a wealth of operational, investigative, intelligence, and administrative experience garnered over decades of distinguished service in various strategic capacities across the country. Until his appointment, he was Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

Some of his other notable past postings include:

Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG)
Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja
Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, October
Commissioner of Police (CP), Rivers State Police Command, November
Commissioner of Police, Admin and Intelligence, Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB)
Deputy Commissioner of Police Head, Intelligence Response Team (IRT)
Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Lagos, 2015 – 2021
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Rivers State
Officer in Charge, Anti-Kidnapping, Rivers State
Officer in Charge, Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ondo State/Oyo State, 2011 – 2014
Divisional Police Officer, Ondo State, 2007 – 2013
Officer in Charge, Training, Nigeria Police Peace-Keeping Department
Directing Staff, Nigerian Police Academy, Kano
Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to former Governor Lagos State
Officer in Charge, Anti-Fraud, State Criminal Investigation Department, Katsina, 1993 – 1998

Ag. IGP Olatunji Disu is a member of the following associations and bodies: International Academy of Forensics; National Association of Investigative Specialists, United States of America (NAIS), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM); and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

He successfully led the first-ever Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to quell the crisis in Darfur, Sudan, in 2005.

He was once National Chairman of the Nigeria Police Judo Association and has won his third black belt in Judo, with many other medals, including a silver medal at the 2022 US Open Judo Championships.

His track record of leadership, professionalism, and dedication to duty underscores his readiness to steer the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force at this critical time.

The new Acting Inspector-General of Police, in his maiden address, reassured officers and men of the Force, stakeholders, and the general public of his commitment to consolidating on existing reforms, enhancing internal security, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing the Force’s mandate of protecting lives and property in line with global best practices.

He had noted that the era of impunity was gone, stressing that the period is for re-sanizing the force, as well as creating a new trust between the force and members of the public.

The number one Nigerian cop, standing on the support of the president to be fair and firm, also solicited the continued support and cooperation of the public as his leadership works to deepen professionalism, discipline and service delivery.

The joy that heralded Disu’s appointment is expected to be sustained as he navigates a very brief period as the man at the helm of affairs, cleansing the Aegean stable that has become the Police Force, and turning the crime-ridden Nigerian society into a desired paradise of peace, comfort and tranquility, where all and sundry operates without fear of abduction, theft or intimidation.

Boss Picks

In Death, Charles Taylor Jr. Reunites Liberians

Published

1 week ago

February 23, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The tears were palpable. The grief was tangible, and emotions ran high as the 41 years old, Philip Neilson Charles Taylor Jr, son of former President of Liberia, Charles Ghankay Taylor, and former Vice President of Liberia, Jewel Howard-Taylor, was laid to rest in Monrovia, Liberia.

The events, which gathered and reunited the best of Liberian elites, spanned an activity-filled four days, creating an atmosphere of united-in-grief.

With two former presidents, Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Dr. George Opong Weah, joining the incumbent president, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, in solidarity with the parents of the deceased, who also were top executive members of government at different levels and different times, the atmosphere was quickly charged with the colours of Liberia, and the tears of a nation greatly bereaved.

Born on September 2, 1984, the young Charles Taylor lived till January 20, 2026, when he succumbed to a respiratory ailment at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, Liberia. He was aged 41, and survived by his mum and dad, and five children among brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, and other relatives. He was the only child of his mum, Mrs. Howard-Taylor.

He was a graduate of Political Science from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences of the African Methodist Episcopal University, and a recipient of many awards, cutting across orthodox, academic and social cares.

The funeral obsequies kicked off in earnest on Wednesday at the County Administrative Building Gbarnga City, Bong County, Liberia, where dignitaries gathered to eulogise life and times in what appeared to be a Service of Songs and Tributes, in addition to Lying-in-State of the beloved of the son, after the initial removal from A. Stryker Funeral Home. The body three other stops at diverse locations before returning.

Conducted by General Overseer & Founder
Peace Praise Full Gospel Church, Apostle Dr. Lucy C. H. Bulgar, with the theme, “THE GRAVE AWAITS YOU”, the solemn dovetailed into sections of quiet eulogy, praises, songs and special presentations.

Taking his text from II Corinthians 5: 10, which says For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad, and Hebrews 9: 27, which says, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, Apostle Bulgar led the congregation through redecorating themselves to God as death is inevitable.

With Life Reflections of deceased read by his son, Charles Ghankay Taylor IV, the floor was opened for high profile tributes by the Liberian President, Vice President, Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, former presidents Sirleaf and Weah, the National 55th Legislature, Chairman, Ovation Media Group and former Presidential Candidate, Chief Dele Momodu, Founder, African Women Leadership Organization, Hon. Elisha Attai.

Tributes were also received from major political parties; The National Patriotic Party of Liberia and The Mighty Congress for Democratic Chang as well as from churches, institutions, organisations, members of the immediate and extended families and his children.

Below are excerpts of the memorial tributes from the deceased’s parents:

A MOTHER’S MEMORIAL TRIBUTE BY JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR

My beloved son,

Philip Neilson Charles Taylor

There are no words strong enough to describe the pain of standing here today. No mother is ever prepared to say goodbye to her only child. You were my heart walking outside my body, my greatest blessing, and my deepest love.

Philip, from the moment you came into my life, you changed everything. You gave me purpose beyond measure and a love so pure it reshaped my soul. You were my joy in quiet moments, my pride in your growth, and my comfort in times when life felt overwhelming.

Your smile carried warmth. Your presence brought peace. Your spirit carried gentleness and strength all at once. You were thoughtful, kind, and full of promise. You loved deeply, and you were deeply loved. Losing you has left a space that nothing on this earth can fill.

As your mother, my heart is broken. There are days when the grief feels unbearable, when the silence where your laughter once lived feels too heavy to carry. Yet even in this pain, I remain grateful to God for the gift of you for every moment, every memory, every embrace, and every lesson you unknowingly taught me about love, patience, and faith.

Though your life on this earth was far too short, your impact was lasting. You mattered. You were seen. You were cherished. And you will never be forgotten. Philip, I release you now into God’s eternal arms, trusting that you are at peace, free from pain, resting in divine light. While I must walk this journey without you by my side, I carry you forever in my heart. Sleep on, my precious son.

Rest in eternal peace.

Until the day we meet again.

– Mama –

A FATHER’S TRIBUTE TO HIS SON BY CHARLES GHANKAY TAYLOR I

A TRIBUTE IN PRAYER FROM FORMER PRESIDENT H. E. DAHKPANHAN DR. CHARLES GHANKAY TAYLOR I, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LOST OF HIS BELOVED SON, PHILIP NEILSON CHARLES TAYLOR.

As we gather here today to celebrate the life of my son, Philip Neilsen Charles Taylor, let us begin with thanksgiving and blessing to the Most High God- the King of the Universe – the righteous Judge who is true and perfect in all His works. For all His ways are justice. He is a God of faithfulness, without iniquity, righteous and fair, and we thank Him for the blessings He bestowed upon Philip during his sojourn on this earth.

Now, let us bless the Lord our God. Blessed are You, O Lord my God, King of the Universe.

I thank You, the God of my forefathers, forever and ever. You are the Rock of my life and the Shield of my salvation from generation to generation. You are the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. You give us life, and You uphold us to continue to do Your will and to serve You wholeheartedly. Amen and Amen.

Philip… Philip…

Your father cannot be here today to say goodbye to you personally as you journey onward to your eternal home. But he has sent your sister, Charen Zally, to read these words so that you may know what is in his heart:

“My son, I love you. There were rocky and difficult steps along the way, but life itself is a battle. As you travel on, let not your soul be troubled. Your mother and I now release you into the infinite mercy and perfect will of the Lord God.

We forgive you for any time you may have angered us or sinned against us whether against our property, our honor, or in any way whether accidentally, carelessly, or intentionally; whether through speech, deed, thought, or intention; whether in this life or beyond. We forgive you fully.

May it be the will of the Lord our God and the God of our forefathers that whatever sins you may have committed before Him, may He, in His great mercy, forgive you, cleanse you, and receive your soul in peace.”

O God our Father, we plea that you blot out his transgressions in Your abundant mercies, but not through suffering as he journeys to Your eternal world. Amen.

Philip, our dearly beloved son, was a blessed young man. His father, Dr. Charles Ghankay Taylor, served as President of this glorious and blessed nation. His mother, Honorable Jewel Howard-Taylor, also served as Vice President at a different period, with great honor and distinction.

We bless God that Philip was given to us for a season and has now been summoned home to be with Him.

He is in a better place. And so, we are not here today to mourn without hope. I do not question the quality of the judgment of Almighty God.

Who can say to God, “What are You doing?” No one.

For God alone rules above and below. He gives life and permits death; He brings down to the grave and raises up.

O Most High God, You are righteous. You gave Philip to us, and You have taken him back. Blessed be Your holy name.

With righteousness in Your right hand and correction in Your left, You judge Your creation.

We accept Your judgment for you are the knower of all mysteries and keeper of all secrets.

And now O God our Rock, we plead for mercy. Do not set our iniquities before You.

O God, Relent your anger concerning us, Your servants. Let not our trespasses bring separation between You and us.

Have mercy on the remnant of our family, the flock of Your hand.

And say to the angel of death, “Hold back your hand.”

O God in your infinite mercy, show us your mercy and kindness, and do not erase our memory from before your throne.

To you alone we honor and glorify in Jesus precious name.

Amen.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this is not a sight any parent should ever have to see.

It is a very, very bitter pill to swallow.

This pain is deep.

It is personal.

My grief is sharper because of many variables surrounding this loss.

I know that perhaps millions of people-here at home, in the diaspora, and across our world-have experienced this kind of sudden flood of unanticipated emotion and though I am not easily moved to tears, I must admit that I am overcome with deep grief.

It hurts. Yes, it truly hurts.

For Parents are not meant to bury the fruit of their own loins. It should be the other way around.

Yet God understands this mystery. He is just. He knows best.

To our families, I say: let us celebrate his life, because God alone knows the absolute truth about His creation. We, as human beings, understand only relative truth through our finite minds.

And perhaps more importantly, we must realize that Philip is not “dead,” but has been born into a new life with Almighty God.

Death, in its deepest sense, is not the end-even in the relative sense.

He is now journeying to higher planes of existence for ages upon ages. The universe is our home, and before the end of time, we will explore its farthest reaches.

Even now, we dwell within the infinite mind of Almighty God, and our possibilities remain infinite both in time and in space.

And at the end of the grand cycle of the ages, God will gather us unto Himself. Then we shall know the whole truth-the truth of being at one with Him.

Philip will be there. And we will meet again.

And I say to Jewel: we loved Philip deeply, but God loved him more and has called him home. Rest in your faith that it is well.

To Philip’s children, his brothers and sisters, his aunts, cousins, nieces, and all his extended family: I assure you that he is safe and protected with the Almighty – the “Knower of All Mysteries.”

In moments like this, we must examine ourselves in quiet retrospection. Reflection is necessary as we try to understand this great mystery of life and death. As it is often said: the past is a statement; the future is a question.

In closing, on behalf of our bereaved families all of them and in my own name, I extend heartfelt thanks; to the President of our nation, President Joseph Boakai and his family; members of his government; former officials of government, bishops, pastors, deacons, laymen and laywomen; the Imam and members of the Muslim community; our chiefs, elders, zoes, and our ancient ancestors the custodians of the land; and all the people of our unique Liberia, our “coat of many colors.”

We also thank nationals of foreign lands and members of the diplomatic community for their expressions of sympathy and condolences in this time of profound grief.

Shalom.

Rest in peace, Phil.

Rise in glory.

May flights of angels sing you to your rest.

Amen.

A TRIBUTE: WE CELEBRATE A UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY SON – CHIEF DELE MOMODU

Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. Due to time constraints, please, permit me to stand on already established protocols.

I have come from Nigeria to join families and friends of the TAYLORS OF LIBERIA, not to mourn and inter CHARLES TAYLOR JR., but to celebrate their unique and extraordinary son, an only child of my very dear friend and Sister, former Vice President, DR JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR, one of Africa’s most notable leaders of the 21st century.

In our grief, let’s not forget to thank God for this special gift. At 42, Charles has succeeded in reuniting the wonderful people of Liberia. Look around this gathering and see the array of the creme de la creme of society, the rich, the poor, there’s no discrimination. We are all one held together by Almighty God. That is the privilege Charles has granted us on this auspicious day. On a personal note, it has taken Charles to bring me back, the Kiazolu of Grand Cape Mount County, to Monrovia.

Let me leave this congregation with a food for thought. In celebrating Charles, let’s remember the popular Yoruba adage which tells us that the death that takes away our neighbours and contemporaries is only
reminding us that our own will come, sooner or later. The reason we must all make the world a better place…

Thank you and God bless the Republic of Liberia.

SHORTLY before the end of the service, the father of the deceased made a special of a song with the title, “Hold back the Night”, and which was rendered by a A joint assembly of the New Life Mission Choir and, The National Evangelical Mass Choir of Liberia.

The congregation was thereafter permitted to view the remains of Philip Neilson as the service came to an end.

The funeral rites continued the next day at Peace Praise Gospel Ministries, Barnesville Township, Montserrado County, Liberia, where the congregation erupted in more songs and tribute to the memory of the deceased.

On the night of the same day, a Wake Service was organised at the Harvest International Cathedral, Tubman Blvd., Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia.

The remains of Philip Neilson were finally committed to mother-earth after a funeral service at the Harvest International Cathedral, Tubman Blvd., Congo Town, in Monrovia, Liberia, with close family members and friends in attendance, and conducted by His Eminence Archbishop Nicolas Duncan-Williams, of the African Chapel International, Accra, Ghana, and supported by other eminent spiritual leaders including Archbishop Isaac A. Winker of the Isaac Winker Global Ministeries International.

Philip Neilson was buried at the Shiata Flowers and Vaults Cemetery, Lower Careysburg, Monrovia.

Charles Taylor Jr may have died, and been buried, but his death has become a unifying force for the Liberians as the crème de la crème of the nation were brought together irrespective of political alienation or differences, as one indivisible people.

Boss Picks

Aesthetics, Landscape, Professionalism: You Can’t See ABUAD in One Day!

Published

2 weeks ago

February 15, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The idea behind one of Nigeria’s elevated private higher institution of learning, the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) is not only humongous, but filled with classy intentions, beautiful landscape, and professionalism in tutelage and character molding.

A visit to this great citadel of learning is not a one day affair, cause no one can see ABUAD in One day; not even in one week, one month or a year, as this reporter can attest to. ABUAD is huge. ABUAD is large. ABUAD is an institution beyond the literary definition. ABUAD is a dream projected to last a lifetime, and it has not failed to live up to billing.

Navigating through the bustling streets of Ado-Ekiti via the centre of Ekiti Parapo Arena, and into the gracious Olusegun Obasanjo Way enroute Aye Ekiti, the institution is situated at an altitude of over 1,500 feet, and located on a 130-hectare piece of land; large enough to birth a kingdom, and accommodate whatever facility dreamt of.

The Boss learnt that the institution was established to address the mismatch between academic programmes and the demands of the labour market in Nigeria.

Established in 2009, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, by a distinguished legal icon, academic pillar and seasoned entrepreneur, Prof Afe Babalola, ABUAD has distinguished itself as a force to reckon with in the fields of research and training, developing and churning out creative minds, who have constituting a megaforce in global development.

By the benefit of hindsight, the University offers Academic programmes in seven Colleges: Sciences, Law, Engineering, Social and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Postgraduate Studies. Beyond the academic ratings, ABUAD boasts of the very best of facilities for health, recreation, environmental, electricity, agriculture and more. It is also a centre of academic discipline with academic and non-academic staff of repute, whose stock-in-trade remain the production of all-round, well-tutored and easy-to-fit personality.

The institution is managed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Smaranda Olarinde, which academic and administrative catalogue is quiet envious to behold.

By every standard, the institution merits its Time Higher Education (THE) Impact ranking as at 2025 as the 84th in the world, 3rd in Africa and 1st in Nigeria. Great feat!

Other top SDG Africa Rankings of ABUAD include, but not limited to SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy): 1st in Africa, SDG 13 (Climate Action): 1st in Africa, SDG 1 (No Poverty): 2nd in Africa and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals): 3rd in Africa.

It is important to observe that these achievements underscore ‘ABUAD’s commitment to quality education and societal impact, marking a major milestone for the institution and Nigeria’s higher education sector’.

The Engineering College, one of the foremost architectural intelligence on the ABUAD land, is built on three and half acres of land, and is reputed to be one of the largest in Africa. The college was inaugurated by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Campuses

The university has one main campus which is located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The campus is situated in the hilly part of the town directly opposite the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti.The campus houses 6 undergraduate colleges, a postgraduate school, conference halls, a teaching hospital for medical students, student and staff accommodation, a sporting facility, and other auxiliary services such as a cafeteria for staff and students, a laundry, a bakery, and a water processing plant.Afe Babalola University holds a reputation for being one of the few Nigerian universities to begin academic work in the campus permanent site. However, due to the requirement by the National University Commission that the school must possess a functioning teaching hospital, a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian federal government to make use of the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State as its teaching hospital for a period of ten years beginning from October 2014.

Admission requirement

The admission requirement for the school varies between the different colleges. However, as with all Nigerian universities, for undergraduate programs the candidate is required to have at least 5 credits in subjects such as mathematics, English language and any other three subjects that are relevant to the course of study. The student is required to have passed the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), after which the candidate is expected to take an oral interview with an academic staff of the prospective college before admission can be given. The university also offers direct entry admission to students who wish to transfer from another university or have undergone either an Advanced Level program or a degree foundation program. The level at which they are admitted into is decided by the college and varies among them.

Undergraduate colleges

The university operates a collegiate system and has six major colleges. They are the College of Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Sciences, College of Law, College of Social and Management Sciences, and College of Pharmacy. Some of the colleges offer post graduate programme in some departments.

The College of Law

The College of Law is fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC) of Nigeria. The college consists of fully furnished classrooms, a common room, a library containing law journals and articles, and a moot court for students to have court practice sessions. There are a number of student chambers in the college backed by a staff mentor who battle against each other in moot court sessions. Associate Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde (FCAI) is the pioneer provost of the college of Law and is still the current provost of the college; she is also the acting vice chancellor of the university. The College of Law, which is regarded as one of the best law colleges in Nigeria, offers both undergraduate and post-graduate degrees (master’s level) in law.

The College of Engineering

The college of engineering was accredited by both the NUC and COREN during their one-week visit to the college. The main engineering building which houses laboratories, a central engineering library, lecturer rooms, an auditorium, a central engineering workshop and a certified Festo training center. The engineering building is named after the former Nigerian president Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and was commissioned by him on 20 October 2013 during the university’s first convocation ceremony. Prof. Israel Esan Owolabi served as the pioneer provost of the college of engineering; he stepped down from the post in 2015 and he is currently engaged in teaching activities in the electrical/electronics engineering programme.

Academic programs

B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering
B.Eng. Mechatronic Engineering
B.Eng. Electrical/Electronic Engineering
B.Eng. Petroleum Engineering
B.Eng. Civil Engineering
B.Eng. Chemical Engineering
B.Eng. Computer Engineering
B.Eng. Agricultural Engineering
B.Eng. Biomedical Engineering
B.Eng. Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

The College of Sciences

The College of Sciences is one of the pioneer colleges of the university after the university’s approval by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC). The university admitted students at inception on 4 January 2010.

Academic programs

B.Sc. Microbiology
B.Sc. Human Biology
B.Sc. Biotechnology
B.Sc. Biochemistry
B.Sc. Chemistry
B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry
B.Sc. Computer Science
B.Sc. Geology.
B.Sc. Physics with Electronics
B.Sc. Physics
B.Sc. Petroleum Chemistry
B.Arch Architecture

The College of Social and Management Sciences

At inception, on 4 January 2010 the university admitted students into the College of Social and Management Sciences, being one of the pioneer colleges of the university. The session ran smoothly without hitches from 4 January to August 2010. The second session of the university started on October 4, 2010, with over 1,000 students. So far the, university has maintained strict compliance with its academic calendar which makes it possible for students to pre-determine their possible date of completion of their programmes even before enrolment. It has been the policy of the university to post on-line students’ results within 24hours of approval by the Senate.

Academic programs

B.Sc. Economics
B.Sc. Accounting
B.Sc. Banking and Finance
B.Sc. Business Administration
B.Sc. Tourism and Events Management.
B.Sc. Political Science
B.Sc. International Relations and Diplomacy
B.Sc. Peace and Conflict Studies
B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies
B.Sc. Social Justice
B.Sc. Communication and Media Studies
B.Sc. Marketing
B.Sc. Entrepreneurship
B.Sc. Sociology

The College of Medicine and Health Sciences

The college commenced activities in October 2011 having been approved by National Universities Commission.

Academic programs

Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S)
B.NSc. Nursing Sciences
B.MLS. Medical Laboratory Science
B.Sc. Anatomy
B.Sc. Physiology
B.Sc. Human Nutrition and Dietetics
B.Sc. Pharmacology
B.Sc. Public Health
Pharm.D Pharmacy
B.DS. Dentistry
OD. Optometry

The College of Arts and Humanities

Academic programs

B. A. Performing Arts
B. A. English
B. A. History and International Studies
B. A. Linguistics

The College of Agriculture

Academic programs

B. Agric. Animal Science
B. Agric. Agricultural Economics
B. Agric. Extension Education
B. Agric. Crop Science
B. Agric. Soil Science

Postgraduate college

The university operates a collegiate system and has five major Postgraduate colleges. They are the College of Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Sciences, College of Law and College of Social and Management Sciences.

ABUAD INDEPENDENT POWER PROJECT

To harness thorough academic and character building, the institution is operated off the national grid as it is run on its own power project, with a dam that powers its electrical needs.

HEALTH AND AGRICULTURE

ABUAD operates of the best medical schools and facilities in the country as it boasts of almost all equipment, space and atmosphere for sundry medical conditions, with reputable medical personnel to complement the environment.

In the vein, the institution runs a developed farming culture, that accommodates rearing of livestock and production of cash and food crops.

The farm sits on a large expanse of loamy soil, complimented with consistent flow of irrigation and drainage, and maintained with the classic of horticulture. The settlement is run by a team of professionals made up of Agroeconomists, horticulturist and more.

It is also worth knowing that the school has its Cassava Processing Factory just as it operates a self sustaining Carbonated Drink Factory.

ABUAD practically offers everything!

ABUAD’S FOUNDER, AARE AFE BABALOLA

Born in 1929, Aare Afe Babalola SAN is one of the most distinguished legal luminaries of his generation, renowned both in Africa and globally for his profound contributions to the legal profession and the advancement of education. With over five decades of uninterrupted legal practice, Aare Babalola’s career is a testament to exceptional dedication, strategic advocacy, and visionary leadership.

A highly accomplished advocate, he has led some of the most celebrated cases in Nigerian legal history, representing high-profile clients, including government institutions, multinational corporations, and individuals. His advocacy spans domestic and international courts, including contributions as a consultant to the Federal Government of Nigeria, World Bank, and various conglomerates. His extensive experience includes his role in arbitration, both locally and internationally, where he remains a respected authority. Aare Babalola has appeared in numerous landmark cases, shaping Nigerian jurisprudence and establishing himself as one of the nation’s most formidable legal minds.

His influence goes beyond the courtroom. As the Founder of Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, Aare Babalola has trained over 300 lawyers, including 14 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), judges, and attorneys-general, making his chambers one of the most significant contributors to the legal profession in Nigeria. His exceptional litigation skills and legal acumen earned him the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987, cementing his place at the pinnacle of legal practice in the country.

A renowned scholar and author, Aare Babalola has authored several authoritative legal texts, including Injunctions and Enforcement of Orders and Law and Practice of Evidence in Nigeria. His contributions to legal education extend to teaching at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and delivering lectures at prestigious universities such as the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan. His popular column, YOU AND THE LAW, published in the Nigerian Tribune, reflects his commitment to educating the public on legal matters.

Beyond his legal practice, Aare Babalola has made extraordinary strides in education. His experience as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (2001-2007) exposed him to the declining standards of education in Nigeria, spurring him to establish Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

ABUAD has quickly become a beacon of academic excellence, setting new standards in Nigeria’s educational system. His efforts in education have been recognized globally, with numerous honorary degrees from universities, including the University of London, University of Lagos, and Ekiti State University.

Aare Babalola’s leadership in academia and law has earned him numerous accolades, including the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and international recognition such as the Queen Victoria Commemorative Award at the Socrates Awards in Oxford, UK. He was named Africa Man of the Year on Food Security and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Management by the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire generations of lawyers and leaders across Africa and beyond.

In addition to his legal and educational contributions, Aare Babalola remains a committed philanthropist and advocate for reform in various sectors. His vast experience, unmatched expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him not only a legal icon but also a trailblazer in the fight for quality education and justice.

Key Achievements:

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), 1987.
Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Lagos (2001-2007).
Founder and Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
Queen Victoria Commemorative Award winner, Oxford UK.
Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of London, Ekiti State University, University of Lagos, and more