Afe Babalola Bemoans Nigeria’s Shift Toward Politics As The Only “Lucrative Business

Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State – Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and esteemed Educationist, Afe Babalola, delivered a thought-provoking address during the 11th convocation ceremony of Afe Babalola University on Saturday, October 21, where he expressed his concern over the increasing trend of politics being perceived as the most lucrative business in Nigeria.

In his address to the graduating students and attendees, Afe Babalola, a legal icon celebrated for his contributions to the legal field and education, shared his insights on the current state of affairs in Nigeria.

He lamented the shift of many individuals toward politics for financial gain, overshadowing other sectors and professions.

Babalola emphasized that politics should primarily be a service to the nation and its people, rooted in principles and dedication to the betterment of society.

However, he noted with concern that the pursuit of political positions for personal enrichment has become a prevalent practice in the country.

“I was the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos and a young man came out with first class in Chemistry and had the highest score that year. I called him and said, ‘I am going to give you a scholarship to do your master’s.

He was very happy and he agreed; he passed his masters. I had forgotten all about him, then he came in and said, ‘Sir, thank you for the scholarship given to me’ and I said ‘Yes, proceed to your Ph.D.’ and he said ‘No’ and I said ‘Why?’

My colleague who was in class with me in secondary school did not go to university; he is the chairman of the local government of my place. He is riding a car; he has a house.’ I was depressed.

I said, ‘What do you want to do now?’ He said, ‘I want to go into politics.’ I wept inside me. That is what your country has made of Nigeria. The only business in this country today which is lucrative is politics,” Babalola said.

He said that while he does not disapprove of any political ambitions, he believes that politics has become less ethical and more of personal gain than about serving the public good.

“I do not say you cannot be a politician but to be a politician is different from what we have now. Who thinks that politics is for making money? Politics is for service. I was a Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor before and I never had a kobo because I saw it as service. People go now to make money from public money given to them.”he said