Obasanjo characterized the behavior as one that was not only immoral but also contrary to the constitution. He spoke at the event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the call to bar of legal luminary Afe Babalola.  The celebrator also owns the Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, which served as the location of the ceremony. The occasion drew the crème of Nigeria's famous people from a wide variety of vocations and political backgrounds.

Among the dignitaries there were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, erstwhile Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola; Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Oyewusi, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed and many a Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). Representatives of the University of London and Kings College, London were also at the occasion.
In addition to the publication of a book, this event featured a lecture with the following title: "The Future of Constitutional Democracy in Nigeria: Imperative of a New Constitutional Order."

Martin Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, was the one who presented the speech today. A number of speakers lauded the Babalola for his many accomplishments in the fields of law, education, and agriculture.In addition to this, they harped on the fact that the nation's progress had been badly impacted by poor democratic principles, corruption, and insecurity. Obasanjo expressed his dismay at the fact that politicians, who are tasked with upholding the Constitution of 1999, are instead "the ones who undermine it." According to the former President emoluments of elected officials ought to be fixed by RMAFC and not lawmakers He stated that "Under Paragraph 32(a-e) of part 1 to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the commission (RMAFC) is   saddled with the responsibility of determining the remuneration appropriate for political officeholders, including legislators."

"The problem in Nigeria, which I have witnessed and which I can attest to, is that the majority of the people who are supposed to be operationalizing or managing and seeing the Constitution and democracy move forward, they are actually the ones who undermine the Constitution,"In accordance with our Constitution, the RMFAC is responsible for determining the emoluments that are due to all elected officials. However, our legislators routinely ignore this provision of the Constitution and instead write laws to ensure that they receive the maximum possible remuneration. "Even if that is Constitutional, it is not moral, and of course what they do is neither Constitutional nor moral," she said. "Even if that is Constitutional, it is not moral."

In addition, he voiced his displeasure over the fact that other provisions of the Constitution, such as those pertaining to the federal character, had been "absolutely ignored," rendering the Federal Character Commission incapable of performing its duties. Obasanjo issued a stern warning, saying that when the Constitution is "continually breached," democracy deteriorates into a system in which anything may be done.

He stated that people would not value democracy if its effects were not seen by the general populace. He said that democracy is a "journey and not a destination," and that it should be viewed as such.

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He said that the only way democracy could be improved was if all of the participants acted in accordance with the Constitution and respected its provisions. Obasanjo is quoted as having said, "Democracy doesn't mean anything to any man who is hungry, whose life is in danger, or whose property is being destroyed," He extended his congratulations to Babalola, who is 100 years old, and described him as a titan in the legal profession, an intelligent litigator, and a bar leader domestically and globally.

The former President went on to say that the celebrator is a one of a kind individual who manages to blend attractiveness and intelligence while ascending to the highest levels of the legal profession. He lauded Babalola for being a figure that younger people might look up to as a source of motivation.

According to Kukah, the level of corruption in Nigeria reached its highest point during the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari, who served as president for eight years.

Kukah pointed out that the previous administration was not responsible for the beginning of corruption, but that administration was responsible for its expansion in moral, financial, and other ways.

He made the following statement: "We have seen the worst period of corruption in Nigeria. Femi Falana, my friend here, will speak about that since he has produced a series of pieces talking about what occurred under the Buhari administration.

"They were not the ones who caused corruption, but I think that during the last administration, we saw the ugliest phase of corruption," the speaker said, referring to the previous administration. "Whether in moral terms, financial terms, or other terms."  The cleric bemoaned the fact that Nigeria was giving terrorists some of its sovereign territory as well.

Kukah, a vociferous critic of the Buhari government, received knocks from that government's officials, who staunchly defended the integrity of their administration and accused the priest of being a dishonest analyst of their administration. Kukah is known for his outspoken criticism of the Buhari regime.

Governor Oyebanji spoke to Babalola as a "legal colossus" and a "courageous lawyer," noting that Babalola left an indelible effect on the legal profession both domestically and globally.

He went on to say that Babalola stood out because he was a distinguished lawyer who lived up to his reputation by being unbending and uncompromising in everything that he believed in.

While describing the legal luminary as a special gift to Ekiti State, Nigeria and humanity, the governor added that the state was blessed to have produced the “rarest breed of humankind.”

Oyebanji also reflected on Babalola's significant involvement in the fight for and ultimate establishment of Ekiti State in his reminiscences.

In addition to this, Oba Ogunwusi praised the legal hero for serving as a model for others to follow in his line of work.

He made the observation that Babalola had worked hard enough to attain the highest levels of the virtues honesty, integrity, and resiliency for himself. The king praised him for his ability to bring people together, describing him as a stalwart defender of the common people and a selfless advocate for social justice. Human rights lawyer Falana warned that Nigeria had yet put its ugly past behind it, especially with its level of corruption

In order for the country to be able to participate in the global community with dignity, Falana demanded that President Bola Tinubu take the initiative to personally spearhead the fight against corruption.

According to the SAN, they stole money that was intended for the prevention of erosion. The President is expected to demonstrate leadership. I am pleading with Tinubu to spearhead a campaign against corruption so that Nigeria can reclaim the place that is rightfully its in the community of countries.

Additionally, Falana requested that Tinubu refrain from sending the wrong signal by permitting high-profile politicians who are now facing graft allegations to enter the Presidential Villa.

"Some of those who are coming and going from the Villa are on trial for robbing the treasury of this country. They are not allowed to go into the Villa." Therefore, we must ensure that our people and the rest of the world community do not receive mixed messages, as the top lawyer stated.

“There is somebody here who was our president,” Falana said, “If you were accused of corruption and your case was before the EFCC(Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) or the ICPC(Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission), you would not be appointed to a position of authority. We have no choice but to return to that time period.