Afe Babalola Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, University, Photos, Parents, Family

Biography

Aare Afe Babalola, CON, OFR, SAN (born October 30, 1929, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria), is a renowned Nigerian lawyer, educationist, and philanthropist.

Despite limited formal education, he earned degrees in Economics and Law from the University of London through private study and was called to the England Bar in 1963.

Babalola founded Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers) in 1965, which became one of Nigeria’s leading law firms. He achieved the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1987.

As Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (2001–2008), he was named Best Pro-Chancellor in 2005 and 2006. In 2009, he established Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), a leading private university in Nigeria, to advance education.

A committed philanthropist, he has supported agriculture, infrastructure, and scholarships, significantly impacting Ekiti State’s socio-economic development. Babalola is married to Modupe Mercy Babalola and has nine children, including notable figures Bolanle Austen-Peters and Folashade Alli (SAN).

Nigerian lawyer
Afe Babalola
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Aare Afe Babalola
Stage Name:	Afe Babalola
Born:	30 October 1929 (age 95 years old)
Place of Birth:	Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
State Of Origin:	Ekiti State
Nationality:	Nigerian
Education:	University of London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Wolsey Hall Oxford
Height:	N/A
Parents:	Abigail Agbedun Babalola, Odofin Aripin Omolore
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Modupe Mercy Babalola
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	Michael Opeyemi Babalola, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Folashade Alli
Occupation:	Lawyer
Net Worth:	$350 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Aare Afe Babalola was born on October 30, 1929, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. He is of Yoruba ethnicity and a devout Christian.

His parents were Pa Joshua Olorunfunmi Babalola (Odofin Aripin Omolore) and Madam Abigail Agbedun Babalola, peasant farmers in a rural community. Specific details about his siblings are not widely documented, as Babalola’s public narrative focuses more on his personal achievements than family structure.

Growing up in a humble agrarian household, Babalola faced significant challenges, including limited access to formal education. Despite this, he displayed remarkable determination.

Unable to attend secondary school due to financial constraints, he pursued self-education with discipline and determination. He studied privately for his General Certificate of Education (GCE) and later earned a degree in Economics from the University of London through correspondence. He furthered his studies in Law, also via private study, and was called to the England Bar in 1963.

Career

Aare Afe Babalola is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, educationist, and philanthropist whose career spans decades of impactful achievements.

After obtaining degrees in Economics and Law from the University of London through private study, he was called to the England Bar in 1963. Two years later, he founded Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers) in Ibadan, which has grown into one of Nigeria’s top law firms, renowned for handling high-profile cases in commercial law, constitutional law, and arbitration.

His exceptional legal career earned him the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987, solidifying his reputation for integrity and legal expertise.

Beyond his legal accomplishments, Afe Babalola has made lasting contributions to education. As Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 2001 to 2008, he introduced reforms that earned him the award of Best Pro-Chancellor in 2005 and 2006.

In 2009, he founded Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado-Ekiti, now recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, known for academic excellence, discipline, and innovation in fields such as law, medicine, and engineering.

His philanthropic work is equally notable. Through investments in agriculture, healthcare, scholarships, and community development, particularly in Ekiti State, Babalola has made significant contributions to socio-economic growth and empowerment.

His dedication to justice, education, and social progress has earned him several national honours, including Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Personal Life

Aare Afe Babalola was born on October 30, 1929, making him 95 years old.

He is married to Modupe Mercy Babalola, and there is no public record indicating multiple marriages or a history of divorce. Together, they have nine children, including notable figures such as Bolanle Austen-Peters, a renowned filmmaker, Folashade Alli, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Michael Opeyemi Babalola.

Details about his height are not documented in the available sources.

Net Worth

Aare Afe Babalola, a prominent Nigerian lawyer, educationist, and philanthropist, has an estimated net worth of approximately $350 million, according to multiple sources, including Afe Babalola University’s website and other reports.

His wealth stems from his successful legal practice through Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), one of Nigeria’s largest law firms, as well as his ownership of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), a leading private university.

Additionally, Babalola’s extensive agricultural ventures, including large-scale fish farming and crop production in Ekiti State, contribute significantly to his fortune. His high-profile legal cases, such as charging $5 million for a case with Mobil and a $30 million commission for recovering $300 million, further bolster his wealth.