By Ejire Folakunmi
The Federal Government has appointed renowned legal luminary and educationist, Afe Babalola, as Patron of the World Orisa Congress of Nigeria (WOCOON).
The appointment was conveyed during a visit to his office in Ado-Ekiti by the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, alongside Princess Fadekemi Ogunwusi and the Ooni’s Liaison Officer in Brazil and South America, Osunleye Ajoyemi.
Ajiboye said the decision was in recognition of Babalola’s enduring contributions to education, culture, jurisprudence, and national development.
He described WOCOON as a global platform dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Orisa tradition, indigenous knowledge systems, and African spiritual heritage.
“As we continue to position WOCOON as a unifying and intellectually vibrant forum, we recognise the importance of distinguished personalities whose wisdom, integrity, and cultural depth can guide and inspire our mission,” Ajiboye said.
He also commended Babalola’s commitment to humanity and national development, noting that his investments, particularly in education, reflect a lifelong dedication to societal advancement.
In his response, Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), accepted the appointment and pledged full support for the initiative.
He commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who also serves as Chairman of NICO, for promoting the congress and advancing Yoruba cultural heritage.
“The Ooni is a rallying point of the Yoruba nation. What you are doing through WOCOON is an extension of his philosophy. I am fully committed to supporting this noble project,” Babalola said.
He emphasised the need for unity among Yoruba people to reclaim lost cultural values, noting that initiatives like WOCOON align with his vision of cultural revival, which also informed the establishment of ABUAD.
Babalola further lauded the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening cultural ties with Brazil, noting the large population of Yoruba descendants in the country.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, congratulated WOCOON for recognising Babalola’s contributions across education, culture, and national development.
She added that the university is open to collaboration with the organisation in advancing cultural and intellectual initiatives globally.