By Ayodele Abere
The globally recognised legal icon and administrator per excellence, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has promised to erect a stunning statue of the late Aare Obadoke Latoosa inside the Ekiti Parapo Museum.
The renowned lawyer and unmatched philanthropist made the promise in Ibadan on Saturday, 10th August after bagging a special honour from Aare Obadoke Latoosa Dynasty, to mark Aare Latoosa 140 years of his exemplary contributions to humanity at the event held at the ultra-modern Lekan Are Hall, Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Aare Afe Babalola ably represented by Chief Morakinyo Ogunniyi, Kayegbo’s publisher and the Amuludun of Okemesiland, stated that the statue will be unveiled on September 23, for tourists who wish to learn more about his life and his contribution to the 19th-century Ekiti Parapo War of Liberation.
In his remark, the Chairman, Planning Committee for the event, Alhaji Hameed Latoosa, said the event was organised for the unification of all Yoruba people, adding that the epoch-making anniversary also served as an opportunity for the remembrance of a prominent Yoruba warlord, Aare Latoosa, who died at the Kiriji War Camp on August 11, 1885, for the oneness of the Yoruba people.
“This programme is important because we are remembering the day our progenitor, Obadoke Iyanda Latoosa, died at the Kiriji War Camp. That was August 11, 1885, and we remember him today for the inspiration we got from him”, said he.
Equally recognised at the unification ceremony tagged “Aare Latoosa 140 Years Remembrance,” was the Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Barr. Wale Ojo-Lanre.
Wale Ojo-Lanre, who represented the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji at the event which had several eminent Nigerians in attendance was recognised for his outstanding contributions to the development of tourism in Ekiti State in particular and Nigeria at large.
