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Foremost lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun, has expressed concern that Nigeria as a nation is gradually losing her humanity as people no longer keen on impacting life.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Wole Olanipekun Law Auditorium donated to the Babcock University, the legal icon advocated investment in education in all ramifications.
The architectural masterpiece was inaugurated on Friday at the School of Law and Security Studies, Iperu campus by the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land ,Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi,,who led other traditional rulers from Ogun and Osun states to the occasion .
Among the dignitaries were the Oragun of Oke- Ila, Oba(Dr) Adedokun Abolarin , the Ogun State Attorney and Commissioner for Justice , Sina Ogungbade,SAN and Roland Otaru,SAN
Chief Olanipekun thanked God Almighty for the grace upon his life and for the enablement to making impactful contributions to humanity.
He commended Babcock for its efficient management system, saying in terms of disbursement of scarce resources, through shrewdness, prudence, fidelity and fear of God, it ranks amongst the best in Nigeria, if not globally.
“It is rather unfortunate that Nigeria is gradually losing her humanity, in the sense that we produce more of arm-chaired critics, some of who are obsessed with the ‘pull-down’ syndrome, than people who subscribe to or invest in humanity.
“At this juncture, may I, repeat my call to well-meaning Nigerians, even at the risk of sounding repetitive, or like a broken record, or even boring to some people, that the very essence of living is to impact life and humanity positively. In this connection, and considering our present locus, is the imperative for us to invest in education in all ramifications, right from the primary, to the secondary and up to the University or tertiary levels. Agreed, that Babcock is a private University owned by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, we must not forget the fact that this great Institution, as well as other private and public Universities in Nigeria need the benevolence of Nigerians, particularly, those who have received God’s benevolence.
” Let us be honest with ourselves, one does not need to be a Warren Buffett, a Bill Gates or Melinda Gates, a Chuck Feeney, a Zell Kravinsky, Dolly Parton, John D. Rockefeller, Aliko Dangote, or Mike Adenuga before he can impact meaningfully on humanity or intervene in the meteoric rise of others, without competing with the ‘money bags’
“Coming specifically to our constituency, the legal profession, I state with all humility, but with every sense of responsibility that those of us who are atop the profession presently must, of necessity and urgency, descend from our Olympian heights, and disembark from our high horses. We need to humble ourselves in order to appreciate what exactly the lower stratum of the profession looks like or experiences.
“It is a stratum that urgently needs assistance, restructuring, reinvigorating, resuscitating, reenergizing and much encouragement. It is mandatory for us to uplift that stratum as well as its occupants, including students in the various Faculties of Law across the country, as well as the failing and falling infrastructures they contend with. Otherwise, we might wake up in the nearest future to embrace the naked reality that we have no profession any more. Thus, our profession needs more well-meaning interventionists at providing the necessary wherewithal for the very fragile base level.
He said, “We need to humble ourselves. Otherwise, we might wake up in the nearest future to embrace the naked reality that we have no profession any more. In order to appreciate what exactly the lower stratum of the profession looks like or experiences. It is a stratum that urgently needs assistance, restructuring, reinvigorating, resuscitating, reenergizing and much encouragement. It is mandatory for us to uplift that stratum as well as its occupants, including students in the various Faculties of Law across the country, as well as the failing and falling infrastructures they contend with
Earlier in his address of welcome , the president and Vice Chancellor, Professor Ademola Tayo described Olanipekun as a distinctive reference in generousity.
Professor Ademola said the auditorium remains a game changer for the institution in its quest to attaining academic excellence.
Among the dignitaries were the Oragun of Oke- Ila, Oba(Dr) Adedokun Abolarin , the Ogun State Attorney and Commissioner for Justice , Sina Ogungbade,SAN and Roland Otaru,SAN
At the colourful ceremony attended by eminent Nigerians, including senior lawyers and foremost traditional rulers from Osun and Ogun States, Professor Ademola said ” the monumental edifice is more than just a building of blocks, bricks, pillars, poles, and mortars: it is a beacon of knowledge, a hallowed chamber of law, a sanctuary for learning, and a hub for intellectual discourse.
“The value of this iconic structure to the university is unparalleled. It will enhance our academic landscape; strengthen our reputation as a centre for legal excellence, and a world-class facility that will benefit generations to come.
“For our student and faculty in the School of Law and Security Studies, this Wole Olanipekun Law Auditorium is a game-changer. It will serve as a dynamic space for lectures, symposia, moot court sessions, and legal debates, thus fostering a deeper understanding of the law and refining the advocacy skills of our future legal luminaries.
“The modernity of the facility and conducive environment will inspire both learning and teaching, empowering our students to engage with the law in ways that are both practical and transformative.
“Beyond Babcock University, this donation advances the course of quality legal education in Nigeria. It sets a precedent for private-sector support in academia and reinforces the critical role of state-of-the-art infrastructure in shaping the next generation of legal professionals. A well-equipped learning environment produces well-equipped minds, and with this facility. Babcock
University is poised to make significant contribution to legal scholarship, policy developm and justice administration in our country.
“I assure you, sir, that this auditorium will be put to the best possible use. It will not only h academic events but also serve as a venue for national and international legal forums, whe pressing legal issues can be discussed and innovative solutions can be birthed. Throu responsible stewardship, we will ensure that your vision of advancing education and professions excellence is fully realized”.
Outlining the successes recorded by the institution, the VC said “ever since the School of Law and Security Studies was established 2003/2004, it has grown in leaps and bounds. From a humble beginning of 25 students Inception, we now have about 500 students across all levels.
“Our alumni and current students have continued to make giant strides in the global space. The include but not limited to: Chioma Dibia 2022 graduate won the Best Prize in LLM Medica Inw at Liniversity of Edinburgh UK., Gabriel Okei won the prize for the Best Student in LLM Birmingham University UK, Sophia Abiri Franklin a Doctoral Graduate of Law won in 2022, th Queen Elizabeth Scholar Award at Carleton University, Canada, Nipinmi Adetunji graduate with a distinction in LLM Swansea University UK, 2022. Nifemi Adesina, a BU Law Alumnus mgraduated with distinction in International Law and Global Challenges at the University o Newcastle. She received the Overall Best Award for the LL.M programme in the 2022/202 session.
In his remarks , Oba Ajayi who is the current Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs described Olanipekun as one of the finest lawyers ever produced in Nigeria .
The Akarigbo disclosed that Chief Olanipekun’s brilliance and mastery of the Law practice propelled him to also study Law .
Oba Ajayi equally used the ocassion to appeal to the University management to consider citing the proposed Faculty of Engineering in his domain in Ishagamu .
He promised that the Ishagamu would provide landed property and other supports to endure smooth take off of the new faculty.
The monarch therefore urged other well -to do-individuals to emulate the legal luminary in supporting education and the less priviledged Nigerians.
In his goodwill message, the Oragun, Oba Abolarin also described Olanipekun as a rare gift to Yorubaland, Nigeria, Africa and indeed, to humanity.
He urged Nigerians to continue to pray for Chief Olanipekun to enjoy long life in abundant health and in prosperity, so that he could impact more lives in his act of philanthropy.
According to the first class monarch, Olanipekun has become an household name in philanthropy and legal practice within and outside Nigeria.
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