Crown Solicitors lifts Aare Afe Babalola trophy  

Lawyers honour legal icon in Ibadan 

By Joseph Okwuofu,  Ibadan.

Crown Solicitors Law Firm emerged the undisputable champions of the 2025 Afe Babalola (SAN)/Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) five aside Football League.

The football tournament which started with eight teams in 2019, is sponsored by Afe Babalola & Co (Emmanuel Chambers) to celebrate Aare Afe Babalola SAN for his unrivalled contributions to legal profession in the country.

Attracting legal practitioners from different law firms within the Premier Bar , the football tournament saw the Crown Solicitors trashing the Aare Afe Babalola’s Boys 2-1 to clinch the trophy.

The football fiesta was held at the main bow of the Olubadan Sports Complex , Ibadan as legal practitioners converged for a celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Among the top legal practitioners that witnessed the final match are one of the pillars of law profession, and Senior Partner,  Aare Afe Babalola & Co, Mr.Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN),the Chairman,  Ibadan Football Association, Mogaji Rotimi Alli, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association,  Ibadan branch, Mr Ibrahim Lawal and other senior members of the Premier bar.

At the end of the competition, Crown Solicitors lifted the trophy, while the Afe Babalola team finished as runners-up.

The Makanjuola Esan’s team secured third place following a walkover against the Lateef Fagbemi football team.

In his brief remarks, the representative of Aare Afe Babalola SAN, Mr. Adenipekun who presented the medals and trophy to the champions, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the event and urged participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.

“It is not about winning at all costs. I congratulate those who won and those who participated. Even those who could not participate should be encouraged to join in future editions,” he said.

Speaking on the significance of the annual event, the Chairman of the NBA Ibadan Branch, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, said the tournament was designed to promote physical fitness and unity among lawyers.

“Most of the time, we sit in our offices for long hours, and that affects our mobility. A sporting activity like this energises the body and keeps us in good shape,” Lawal explained.  “That is why Aare Afe Babalola decided to sponsor this programme. It has become a yearly event that encourages sporting activities and brings all of us together, beyond the courtroom.”

Lawal noted that the competition has grown more competitive over the years, with increasing enthusiasm from both participants and spectators.

 “Every year, the tournament gets more competitive. You can see the passion and commitment of our members, including those who came to watch. It has achieved its purpose of fostering unity and healthy rivalry,” he said.

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He further expressed optimism for better organisation and wider participation in future editions.

Reacting to their victory, Lawal, whose team emerged winners, described the moment as deeply fulfilling.

 “This is my fourth time participating in this competition, and finally lifting the trophy is a great feeling. The last time, we came third, so this victory is very special,” he said.

Also speaking, the captain of Crown Solicitors, Adeboye Adetayo, praised both teams for an intense and entertaining match.

He noted that the match was a very tough game with high intensity,” we appreciate everyone who came out to support us, adding that the team would work hard to defend the title next year.”

Apart from the medals, a cash award of N.5million was showered on the winners of the competition,  while N.3million and N.2million were given to second and third place respectively.