The Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy group has urged the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, to consider the facts in the ongoing defamation case involving activist lawyer Dele Farotimi and the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).
The case stems from Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, in which Farotimi alleged that Afe Babalola had corrupted the Supreme Court.
Following a petition by Babalola, Farotimi was arrested and charged in an Ekiti State Chief Magistrate’s Court, which has reserved a ruling on his bail application until December 20.
The Afenifere National Caucus, in a solidarity visit to Farotimi at the Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre on Friday, criticised the chief magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, for denying bail, describing the charges as bailable.
The group stated that it would decide on its next course of action after the court’s ruling on December 20.
However, the pro-Babalola group’s spokesperson, Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, insisted during a press conference in Ado Ekiti that the defamation claims against Farotimi were valid and underscored the need for judicial resolution.
“We are not perturbed by Afenifere’s visit.
I believe they will be guided by the facts of the case. Mr. Dele Farotimi is Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s protégé, so it’s only natural for him to send emissaries to visit him,” Opeyeoluwa said.
He added, “Chief Adebanjo is a lawyer and an elder statesman. We trust that he will respect the facts and the rule of law. This is not persecution, as some have suggested. The matter is in court, and we have refrained from making unnecessary comments.”
Opeyeoluwa dismissed Afenifere’s statement about taking action after the December 20 ruling as inconsequential.
“We are not threatened by their comments. As law-abiding citizens, we are prepared for whatever decisions they make after the court ruling. Similarly, we will take appropriate steps to ensure that justice prevails,” he said.
The group expressed disappointment over public misrepresentation of the case, stating, “Some commentators are distorting the facts, attempting to undermine Aare Afe Babalola’s legacy. These individuals fail to recognise that Aare’s contributions are monumental and enduring.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to justice, saying, “We are resolute. Both Aare Afe Babalola and Mr. Dele Farotimi will have their day in court. Justice must be served without fear or favour.”
The group’s convener, Femi Alufa, emphasised the importance of the case, describing it as one of the most pressing legal matters in Nigeria today.
“The judiciary is handling this case with the urgency it deserves. We are confident that the court will deliver fair and impartial justice,” Alufa said.
