Chief J.E. Babatola was born as a twin (Taiwo) but the twin sister - Kehinde died at childbirth to the families of Pa Olatunji Baatola (aka Okala Arowona of Ora Community, Ado-Ekiti) and Madam Comfort Ibitayo (of Ejigbo and Ewi Ruling Dynasty at Ado-Ekiti) during the 1st World War between 1914 and 1918. It was in the harmattan season during the time of yam planting period and he therefore adopted 7th November, 1918 as his official birth date when he entered school in 1928. J.E. Babatolas educational career span the following schools a. St. Paul’s Primary School, Ikole Ekiti 1928-1931: Elementary Classes, Standard One & Two Classes b. Emmanuel School, Ado-Ekiti: Standard Three & Four classes 1932 (Double promotion) c. Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti (formerly Ekiti Central School): 1933-1934 Standard Five & Six Classes d. St. Andrew’s College, Oyo: 1938-1941 (Senior Teachers’ Course) e. London Matriculation Examination (1946) in English, Latin, Elementary Mathematics, Heat, Light & Sound & Mechanics f. Nigeria Senior Teachers’ Certificate Examination in Geography (November 1946) and in English Language (1947) (Results published in Government Gazette – December, 1948). g. Admitted into 4-year University of London Degree course in English and Geography the University College, Ibadan (Faculty of Arts) in October, 1949 and upgraded as 2nd year (direct entry student) of the University to join the pioneers’ class and completed coursework in 1952 for his award of B.A. (London) degree awarded thereafter. a. Academic Qualifications: ü STANDARD SIX CERTIFICATE ü SENIOR TEACHERS CERTIFICATE ü PASSED LONDON MATRICULATION ü BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE (LONDON) ü DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (STATON) - Honourary Degree in recognition of his feats as a Nigerian Cooperative Guru His scholarship record of Honours and Award in School included: 1. 3rd Prize winner in overall June 1932 Essay competition on “Empire Day Celebration In My District” conducted for Standard 3-6 classes in Ekiti, Ondo, Owo and Okitipupa Divisions of schools. 2. Best Student in entrance examination for admissions into St. Andrews College, Oyo in 1938 3. Honoured and published by University College, Ibadan in “The Nigerian Citizen” and “The West African Pilot” along with two other undergraduates namely: J.A. Abe and the late Emeritus Prof. J.F. Ade-Ajayi for brilliant use of English language in an essay contest organized by the University titled “ An Endowment Fund for the development of Ibadan University College – A case for it”. 4. Honoured in April 1960 by Ado District Council at a ceremony attended by Ekiti Obas and Chiefs to appreciate his substantial service to Ekiti and awarded a Certificate of Distinguished Service. 5. Honoured in June, 1960 on initiative of Ekiti Obas and chiefs with a chieftaincy title “Olugbaye of Ado-Ekiti” recognized in towns and villages under the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Daniel Aladesanmi Anirare II 6. Installed as Olora of Ado-Ekiti in December 1970 – a family chieftaincy title 7. Awarded a Doctor of Business Administration Degree of Staton University, Tampa, Florida USA in 1996 8. Awarded Cooperative Gold Medal for Long and meritorious service (CGM) in 1996 9. Elected into Christ’s School Ado – Ekiti Hall of Fame and presented with the Alumni Association Honours Award in 1999 10. Nominated as Special Visitor in 1999 to American University of Hawaii (USA) 11. Received the Octogenarians Award of St. Andrews College Old Students Association for the year 2000 and 2008 respectively 12. Honoured by Ado-Ekiti Community on several occasion from 1954 till date for his selfless and distinguished contributions to community development and in recognition of his leadership capabilities, integrity, public service and distinguished political leadership. 13. 2014 Ekiti State Merit Award for incorruptible and distinguished records of public service His work history - Public Service and Career History in Education: • Classroom Teacher, Igede Baptist School, 1935 • Pupil Teacher, Emmanuel School, Ado-Ekiti 1936 • Pupil Teacher, St. Paul’s School, Ikole 1937 • Class Teacher, Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti 1942-44 • Dinning & Boarding Master/1st Science Tutor, Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, 1944-45 • Class Teacher, Oke Ona United School, Abeokuta 1946 • Class Teacher, Iporo Ake Central School, Abeokuta 1947 • Subject Teacher, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos 1948-49 • Teacher, Oluwa College, Ijebu Ode 1952 • Teacher, Ibadan Boys’ High School, 1952 • Pioneer Principal, Ekiti Teachers College, Ikere 1953-57 • Teacher, St. Peters’ College, Akure, 1962 • Vice-Principal and later Ag. Principal, Ibadan Grammar School, 1963-69 • Principal, All Saint’s Teachers’ College, Usi-Ekiti 1969-71 (Retired as a pensioner). . Director, Ajitadidun Nursery/Primary School, Ado-Ekiti 1972-80 . Proprietor, Atayero Coaching Classes, Ado-Ekiti 1974-77 High Chief J.E. Babatola made landmark contributions to humanity, his community, public life and the nation at various times and situations while he occupied positions of responsibility and leadership. In fact, many people that attests to Chief Babatola qualities and virtues as a political leader and past public officer feels that he deserves to be awarded laureates of national honours award. He was selfless in all his leadership pursuit as a public officer who wanted to promote the good of the common man, the less privilege and various members of the society without discrimination as a political office holder. This enabled many people to benefit from him in public offices when he served as a political leader in offices of Minister, a Commissioner and a Board Chairman and as President of Nigeria’s and West African Cooperatives and other capacities in the community, the state and the region at large. Chief J.E. Babatola was the Patron of the Ekiti Council of Elders HIGH CHIEF J.E. BABATOLA - THE OLORA OF ADO-EKITI PERSONALITY 1. Consistent high moral standard and integrity. Chief J.E. Babatola was always commended as an exemplary public officer who never put public trust to shame or jeopardy and who never corruptly enrich himself as a political office holder. He was always absolved from any wrongdoing and corrupt enrichment by various Administrative and Judicial Panels and Tribunals set up by different Military Government at the end of 1st and 2nd Republic when many of his colleagues were found wanting in public offices when he served as a Minister, a Commissioner and a Board Chairman. In fact, Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi, the Governor of Western State presented Chief J.E. Babatola with a silverware plaque of honour when he left Government as Commissioner in 1974 as worded thus: “PRESENTED BY BRIGADIER OLUWOLE ROTIMI - THE MILITARY GOVERNOR OF WESTERN STATE OF NIGERIA TO CHIEF J.E. BABATOLA FOR LOYAL AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE WESTERN STATE AS CIVIL COMMISSIONER 1971-74’’ In a publication of the Nation Newspaper - pages 34 and 35 of Wednesday May 7th, 2008, Chief J.E. Babatola was described thus: ‘…Chief Ehinafe Babatola, retired School Principal became a member of the House of Assembly in the West…Awo discovered his talent when he responded to the speech from the throne. He informed Pa Longe, a Permanent Secretary that because he was impressed by that speech on agriculture by Babatola, he would make him a Minister. Awo fulfilled his promise. He made Babatola, the Olora of Ado-Ekiti his Parliamentary Secretary and later Minister…During the Awo/Akintola crisis, he supported Awo. In reaction, Premier Akintola witch-hunted him, and he became a loafer as Minister in the Ministry of Justice in charge of the customary courts. Under the military rule, Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi made him Works Commissioner. To the surprise of the contractors, the Awoist could not collect bribe. But he parted ways with Awolowo because his desire to support Omoboriowo against Ajasin. In words and deeds, he sticks to Awoism, even outside the political family. He is now one of the deputy chairmen of Yoruba Council of Elders…’ 2. Unsolicited Selfless/philanthropic services to nation/humanity: He was selfless in all his leadership pursuit as a public officer who wanted to promote the good of the common man, the less privilege and various members of the society without discrimination, ill-will or disaffection to anyone. This enabled many people to benefit from him in public offices and at other levels of leadership capacities in the community, the state, the region, the nation, the continent and the world at large. Chief Babatola was able to ensure the following among others: 1. He introduced Scholarship and Bursary Awards for both brilliant and indigent Students at the Council level as a Councillor 2. He successfully promoted payment of tax and water rate for community development when it was still alien to the Western Region populace 3. He gave his intellectual and mental support to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti at improving the role of traditional rulers and their contributions at London Constitutional Conferences before Nigeria’s independence 4. As Leader of Western Nigerian Delegates to International Conference on Colonial Administration in United Kingdom in 1958, he got Western Nigeria Government to be credited as the most ‘progressive‘ Government in Africa by the Colonial Government 5. As Member of Nigeria Police Council 1960 being a Minister from Western Nigeria, he proposed the introduction of Police Permit to easy traffic users’ burdens at Police Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balewa 6. He also supported other reforms made in the Police Force and Nigeria Prisons between 1960 and 1961 which stood the test of time. 7. He brought changes to Local Government System in Western Nigeria which aided the uniformity introduced into Local Government system in 1976 as embedded into Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution. 8. He brought changes to administration of justice in Nigeria particularly at the Customary Courts in Western Nigeria which was later embedded into the Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution. 9. He introduced several bills in the Western House of Assembly which later formed part of Nigeria’s law and public policy while working with Late Chief FRA Williams and Late Sir Alexander Danley (Chief Justice of Nigeria who was then Solicitor General of Western Nigeria). 10. Most of his speeches as a Legislator were legacies centred on peoples’ development as a selfless leader with qualitative reasoning, ideals of good leadership and good governance in the service to the nation. 11. He successfully chaired Western Nigeria Independence Celebration Committee in 1960 and made it possible for most Western Nigeria cities, towns, villages and schools to participate in the celebration with dignity 12. He stood with Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Action Group in the face of the political crisis that engulfed the Western Nigeria in 1962 until he was released from prison by Gen. Yakubu Gowon in 1966 13. He performed creditably well at Nigeria’s Inter-Ministerial Labour Meetings in 1962 14. As a Commissioner, Western State of Nigeria 1971-1974 he successfully launched and promoted Tree Planting campaigns 15. He also launched the idea of controversial Urban renewal and cities beautification projects 16. He led the construction of several water projects including Asejire Water Dam and construction of roads and bridges across communities in Western Nigeria as well as the inauguration of the Ewekoro Cement Factory in Shagamu 17. He promoted the identification of Tourists Centres and their development among others 18. As Commissioner of Trade and Cooperatives in Western Nigeria, he led Nigerian Delegation ahead of other State Commissioners of Trade and Cooperatives and Federal Officials by representing Federal Trade Commissioner, Mr. Wenige Briggs at an International Trade Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1974 and was commended by Bulgarian and Nigeria’s Government for his performances. 19. As President, Cooperative Federation of Nigeria 1978-1983, he moved tirelessly to promote Cooperative development in Nigeria 20. He made sure that Nigeria’s Cooperatives (CFN) collaborated with ICA and other regional and international bodies for access to foreign aids and transformation of Cooperative businesses for stronger members participation and opportunities in the local economy 21. He attracted support funds from International Labour Organizations (ILO) and the United Nations International Development Organization (UNIDO) as well as Norwegians, Swedish and Germans Cooperatives to train Nigerian and West African Cooperatives as Chair of West African Cooperatives and Council Member of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) between March, 1979 and May, 1983.) 22. He encouraged Cooperative multipurpose investments diversification through development of cottage industries and empowerment of average cooperatives for self reliance during the period of austerity measures under the administration of President Shehu Shagari. 23. He promoted the amendment of the obsolete provisions in the 1935 Cooperative ordinances based on Caxton Idowu’s Recommendations. 24. His proactive proposals led to inauguration of a National Council for Cooperative Development to replace National Advisory Council for Cooperative Development with Cooperative representative as a Council member. 25. As the Nigerian Cooperative President, he hosted the 1st Regional Cooperative Meeting for 16 West African countries on ICA Council at University of Ibadan in 1979 26. He was subsequently elected to lead West African Cooperatives with the Secretariat at the ICA Regional Office, Abidjan. (This boosted Nigeria’s image as a Leader in the Sub-Region and in the Cooperative world body at a time potential Cooperatives existed in Ivory Coast and Ghana). 27. He boosted Nigeria’s image when he got elected as the 1st Black African and only 2nd Delegate on the Council of International Cooperative Alliance in 1981 and was committed to promotion of world peace and the democratic cooperative principles as he travels to many countries of the world to seek assistance for African and Nigerian Cooperatives 28. As Chairman of Ondo State Housing Corporation 1979-81, he created land banks and started building housing projects with new Housing Estates plans in Old Ondo State 29. He championed the cause of the creation of Ekiti State with other Leaders in 1980. 30. He stood behind efforts to defend the rights of his people in the face of political victimization and oppression, thereby leading to his voluntary resignation from UPN Government in 1981 and ultimate joining the Federal ruling party, NPN, in 1983 before his house and properties were burnt 31. As the Chairman of Defunct Opopogbooro Community Bank Ltd at Ado-Ekiti, he promoted sound grass root economy and development of small scale enterprises loan financing 32. As the Past Chairman of Ekiti Chiefs & Community Leaders Council, he promoted respect for the traditional political system 33. As a Participant, Committee for Creation of Ekiti State between 1991 and 1996, he made several contributions mentally and intellectually to the struggle, visits and representation of the Ewi in Council on some tours 34. He presented paper for the citing of the Ekiti State Capital at Ado-Ekiti before the Mbanefo Panel on State Creation 35. As the Chairman, St. Andrews’ College Old Students Association (Ekiti), he holds a position of great respect as an aged educator 36. As the Patron, Ekiti Council of Elders from 2004 to 2014, he made his mark as cynosure of Ekiti Elders and political bigwigs 3. Outstanding bravery and sacrifice in defence of the nation and humanity: Chief Babatola’s display of outstanding bravery and sacrifice were largely evident in his role as a political leader in several instances including the position he took on major issues in the 1st and 2nd Republic in the face of opposition and political victimization. He lost a lot of fortunes and assets including buildings and properties to flames during the 1983 political crisis in Old Ondo State without any compensation for his sacrifice and losses when every effort to eliminate or defame him failed. The only benefits that the politics of 1st and 2nd Republic brought Chief J.E. Babatola as a Leader can be classified as follows: a. He retained his image of an honest and incorruptible politician, which he acquired during the regime of the Action Group as the ruling party in the Western Region as a Councillor of Ado District Council (1954-57), a Member of the Legislature from 1956 to 1964, a Parliamentary Secretary (1957 - 59), a Cabinet Minister (1959 - 63), a Commissioner from 1971 to 1974, and a Board Chairman from 1979 to 1981. b. Chief Babatola proved his loyalty to a cause and to his people as characteristic of himself with his imbibed and inherent moral qualities that are uncommon among Nigerian politicians. That was evident in his resignation from Ajasin’s Government in 1981 rather than capitulate. c. People continue to recognize his attributes by deferring respect to him and calling on him to lead them in various areas such as Ekiti Council of Elders, St. Andrews College Old Students (SACOBA), Cooperative Movement in Nigeria, Social development programmes and projects, Church programmes and Community Development schemes, and at deliberations of Traditional Chiefs, particularly the Ewi-in- council even at the age of 90, though remained unsung. 4. His inventive and remarkable achievements in field of expertise: a. He was an accomplished essayist at Emmanuel School, Ado-Ekiti; Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti; St. Andrew’s College, Oyo; University College, Ibadan and throughout his life time career. b. He was an accomplished newspaper Columnist in Nigerian Tribune in the days of Colonial era tagged Lawson Column. c. As a Pupil Teacher at St. Paul’s School, Ikole Ekiti, he instilled discipline, moral values and decorum in the life of many of his pupils like late HRM Oba Adetula Adeleye (Elekole of Ikole) and late Hon. Justice Jide Olatawura (Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria). d. As a Class Teacher, Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti 1942-1944 and the Dinning Hall and Boarding Master/Science Teacher, 1944-1945, he ensured that students improve their table manners, sense of judgement and responsibility as hallmark of discipline displayed by his students like Major General (Rtd.) Adeyinka Adebayo (former Governor of Western State) and late Chief Samuel Asabia (former Central Bank Deputy Governor). e. As a Class Teacher, Iporo Ake Central School, Abeokuta 1947, he designed a 400 questions and answer format for the Anglican Diocesan Authority for CMS Schools in Nigeria which was subsequently adopted as the Examination guide for the conduct of Standard Six Certificate Examination in Nigeria by Colonial Department of Education in Lagos. f. As a Subject Teacher, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos 1948-49, he was responsible for tutoring the final year students in preparation for admission into Universities, while he was also preparing for University examination to enter the University of Ibadan as a married man and a father. g. As the Pioneer Principal, Ekiti Teachers’ College, Ikere 1953-57, he ensured that adequate quota are provided for minorities .i.e. Moslem Students h. He also introduced Staff Development Programme in the area of College sponsorship for further training apart from extracurricular activities to give all round education to teachers i. He promoted students’ democracy in the management of the Teachers’ College, unlike what obtains elsewhere in Teachers’ College across the region. j. As a Legislator, he chaired a House Committee that proposed various educational reforms that was adopted in the management of schools and colleges in the Western Region as the earliest policy papers that assisted in designing the framework for National policies on Education. k. As an educator, he was a leading member of Egbe Aiyetoro (his peer group) that founded Ado Grammar School in 1960 l. As Vice Principal at Ibadan Grammar School under Late Ven. Emmanuel Alayande, he was committed to good teaching in the classroom by taking good care of the students in preparation for final examinations and by participating directly in classroom teaching thereby producing mentally sound students like late Dr. Segun Agagu (former Governor of Ondo State) and late Chief Owomoyela (aka Dr. Orlando Owoh) - a musician. m. He co-sponsored the creation of Ajitadidun Nursery and Primary School in 1972 as the 1st Private Boarding School in Ekiti headed by the late wife – Chief Mrs. Modupe Babatola (1st Headmistress of Nigeria’s 1st Private Nursery School – Alaafia Institute, Mokola, Ibadan). n. In 1977, he advised the Ewi-in-council to apply opening of new secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti and the result was the opening of Ado Community High School and Anglican High School, Ado-Ekiti. o. He made grant of land for the permanent site of Anglican High School in 1980 as well as All Saints Anglican Church, Opopogbooro, Ado-Ekiti on Olora Layout, Opopogbooro, Ado-Ekiti. p. He allocated land on Olora Layout for creation of Mojere Market in the community. q. He gave the School premises of the late for the take off of Ondo State University Mini-Campus site (Now Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti) in 1982. r. He wrote the funeral Oration of Chief Obafemi Awolowo titled AWo: THE DEATHLESS delivered by Brigadier Tunji Olurin at Parliamentary House, Ibadan in 1987. 5. Recognition of personal positive and beneficial activities by national or international institutions and organizations: Chief Babatola’s role in the public life and his contribution to the society and humanity made him to be respected and to receive recognition in forms of award and nominations from various sources notably: 1. He received several honours and awards received from the Nigeria’s Cooperative Movement at various times including the opportunity to lead the Movement for some years at National and Sub-Continental levels and participation in Cooperative world affairs 2. He was the 1st Blackman elected int the Board of International Cooperative Alliance and the 1st Chairman of West African Cooperative Regional Council 3. He was awarded the Doctor of Business Administration by Staton University, Tampa, Florida, USA on recommendation of Leadership Trust Foundation for his contributions to the Coopeative Movement in Nigeria and Africa. 3. He served on several Board of Governors of Schools and Colleges in the 1970s and 1980s 4. He was elected Chairman of St. Andrews’ College Old Students Association (SACOBA) Ekiti 5. He was nominated as the Patron of the Ekiti Council of Elders 6. He was elected into the Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti Hall of Fame 7. Appointment into the Board of Sponsors of proposed Beulah University, Ola, Osun State f. Distinguished service in public/private sector Record of public service as a Teacher, Educator and College Principal highlighted in the early parts of this nomination paper attest to his public service. Record of service to the public in the Cooperatives highlight his major contributions to the private sector, the general public and humanity, the nation and the world at large. As a Councillor, he got his people to pay water rate so that pipe-borne water could be supplied to Ado-Ekiti town in spite of the opposition in 1955 and again introduced Bursary and Scholarship awards. He also contributed to the resolution of the Chieftaincy dispute in the community and was a cited authority at the Ondo State Morgan Commission in early 80’s on Chieftaincy matters As a Parliamentarian, he addressed the Government to ecological issues and the need to arrest the dangers of erosion in Western Nigeria and how to improve education and teaching profession among others. Several Individuals were also considered for political benefits through his personal efforts, such as Prof. Sam Aluko, Chief G.B. Akinyede, Oba Owolabi II - the Oluyin and Chief Fakuade of Ido – Ekiti. As a Regional Minister, he influenced the following developmental project in his community and division (now Ekiti State) apart from what he did elsewhere in the Region: 1. Construction of a new rediffusion transmitting station at Efon Alaye to benefit the entire division 2. Tarring of Iworoko-Igbemo-Ilumoba 15 miles road 3. Sitting of a regional farm centre at Ido/Osi Ekiti axis 4. The bridging of Ero River 5. Tarring of Ado–Ilawe road 6. Construction of a District Hospital at Ado Ekiti 7. Construction of dispensaries at Are and Osi-Ekiti 8. Construction of a maternity hospital at Agbado Ekiti 9. Construction of Aye-Ikun-Otun road 10. Provision of electricity and pipe borne water for Iyin Ekiti, Igede Ekiti, Igbemo Ekiti and Afao Ekiti At the Cabinet level, Hon. J.E. Babatola used his position to benefit his Constituency while performing his duties by securing employments for qualified Ekiti men and indigenes of Ondo province in Ministries, specifically as Information Officers, Pressmen, Prison Warders, Fire Fighters, Caterers, Local Policemen, Foresters, Broadcasters and Civil servants and others in educational and research institutes and the private sector such as Emmanuel Olofin (Igede), Lawrence Fasae, Michael Bello and Abraham Ola to mention a few. As Cabinet Minister for Information, he hosted a televised reception of prominent Western Nigeria Obas and Chiefs “on the stage” at the studio of the WNTV-WNBS in May 1960 with the following Traditional rulers and Chiefs on parade: Oba Sir Adesoji Aderemi (The Ooni, Ile-Ife), Governor Designate, Oba Bello Gbedegesin (The Alaafin, Oyo), Oba Akenzua (The Ereduwa, Benin), Oba Sir Olateru Olagbegi (The Olowo, Owo), Oba Ladapo Ademola (The Alake Egba, Abeokuta), Oba S. L. Adetona Ogbagba II (The Awujale, Ijebu Ode), Oba Agunlejika (The Owa Obokun Adimula, Ilesha), Oba Erinwa II, Chief S. L. Akinola (The Premier), Chief Hon. J. E. Babatola, Chief Sowole and Chief Fadayiro. As a Commissioner in Western State, he influenced the following developmental project in his community apart from other parts of the State (now Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti States): i. Re-construction of Ado-Ekiti roads and channelling of Agere stream ii. Re-construction of Old Garage (motorpark) with solid surface iii. Repair work at water streams beside St George’s Church which earned him gratitude of the Catholic Bishop of Ado Ekiti – Bishop Fagun. iv. He got Ewi-in-council to embark on the creation of a land bank in Ado-Ekiti to allocate land for ministries and agencies of government from time to time. As Board Chairman of Ondo State Housing Corporation, he was able to: v. Create an estate of the corporation at Ado-Ekiti and other parts of Ondo State vi. He persuaded the Government to locate the State Housing Estate near Federal Housing Corporations to minimize capital cost with respect to electricity supply, construction and subsequent maintenance of the main road and purchase and laying of pipes needed for pipe borne water. LEADERSHIP RECORD IN PUBLIC OFFICES: • Chairman, Education Committee, Ado District Council 1954-57 • Member, Establishment Committee, Ado District Council 1954-57 • Member, Finance & General Purposes Committee, Ado District Council 1955-57 • Parliamentary Secretary in the Government of Western Nigeria in Ministries of Justice and Local Government and the Office of the Premier – Chief Obafemi Awolowo 1957-1959 • Led Western Nigeria’s Delegate to International Conference on Administration (UK) 1958 • Chaired House Committee on Reforms of Education in Western Nigeria • Served Ewi of Ado-Ekiti at London Constitutional Conferences • Became Cabinet Minister in charge of Home Affairs and Information in Western Nigeria (after Chief Anthony Enahoro in 1959) • Installed Olugbaye of Igbaye (Ekiti Chieftain) 1960 • Chaired Western Nigeria Independence Committee 1960 • Member, Nigeria Police Council 1960 • Member, Nigeria’s Inter-Ministerial Labour Council 1962 • Installed Olora of Ado-Ekiti 1970 • Commissioner, Western State of Nigeria 1971-74 • President, Cooperative Federation of Nigeria 1978-83 • Board Member, Ikeja Textile Mill 1979-82 • Chairman, Ondo State Housing Corporation 1979-81 • 1st Chairman, West African Cooperative Council 1981-83 • Delegate/Council Member, International Cooperative Alliance 1981-83 • Past Chair, Ekiti Chiefs & Community Leaders Council • Chairman, St. Andrews’ College Old Students Association (Ekiti) • Patron, Ekiti Council of Elders 2004 to Date LEADERSHIP RECORD IN POLITICAL OFFICES: • Elected Action Group Councillor for (Ward G) in Ado District Council 1954 • Elected Constituency Leader, Ado-Ido-Osi Districts (Action Group) 1955 • Elected Honourable Member, Western House of Assembly, 1956 • Re-elected Hon. Member, Western House of Assembly, 1960 • Became AG Party Leader, Ekiti Div./Ondo Province 1961 • Leader, 1st Committee on the Creation of Ekiti State 1980 • Pioneer Member/Constituency Leader, Unity Party of Nigeria 1978-82 In a foreword to his biograpphy written by another son Mr. Jade Babatola, notable Ekiti legal luminary Chief Afe Babalola, wrote: It is great pleasure for me to be asked to write the Foreword to a book chronicling the life and times of one of the greatest Ekiti indigenes, an astute educationist and a selfless politician... writing a biography of this nature particularly on a personality of this kind, is not just a service done by the author to the subject of the book; more fundamentally, it is service done to our collective history and our duty to let posterity have an account of the stewardship of those it has pleased God to use in shaping the history of a segment of mankind...A Will in the Wind, this biography of one of the earliest educated Ekiti men, though by a son about his father, gives a compelling insight into life in the country side in the decades of the last century. The reader is taken through the struggles of an innocent young boy and his determination to succeed in life in spite of all negative forces of widespread illiteracy, ignorance and superstition that surrounded him. Right from the early days, the subject of this book has begun to set a standard for distinction and, as a result: 1. He was in 1949 one of the earliest Nigerians to enjoy direct entry form of admission into a Nigerian University (University College, Ibadan) as a result of which he caught up with the pioneer set. 2. He was one of the earliest Ado Ekiti indigenes to graduate from University in the fifties after working as a Teacher for over twenty years. 3. He was the pioneer Principal of Ekiti Divisional Teachers’ Training College, established in 1953 in Ikere-Ekiti ...As astute teacher and frontline educationist, Chief Babatola’s teaching and educational administration careers both before and after his university education took him to places...A man of many parts, and who played all with utmost diligence and success, Chief Babatola was at a time when he pioneered the headship of the College at Ikere, also a Councillor of Ado District Council and a member of the Western Region House of Assembly... The reader is let into the intrigues of the 1st Republic politics. He is presented by the author as a man with uncommon passion, sympathy and loyalty for the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo; and his Action Group in the years’ immediately preceding independence in Nigeria. Chief Babatola played a unique brand of politics with the consideration for the feelings of others...He was an astute legislator, a versatile debater and polemicist, very robust in thinking and eloquent in the presentation of his view point. He detested and fought against unjust domination of Yoruba race by any other ...He had great distaste for the use of thugs and thuggery in politics...A Will in the Wind captures all that a reader may want to know about Chief Babatola and the politics of pre-independence Nigeria, the politics of the First and Second Republics, especially as it affected him. This no doubt is responsible for the relatively enormous volume of the biography. The book however will make an interesting reading to any reader. It is written in simple English. The reader is captured by the captivating style and is not let go until he has gone through all the pages. The author was passionate about his subject and wrote with candour and with as much precision in dates, places and events. A Will in the Wind is a commendable effort, very justified.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 10:15:09 +0000
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