Afe Babalola vs. Dele Farotimi: Afenifere Urges Calm, Asks Nigerians to Let Courts Decide Amid Planned Protests

By Achimi muktar

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called for restraint and respect for the rule of law in the ongoing defamation case between Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afe Babalola and activist lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The case stems from claims by Babalola that Farotimi's book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice, contains defamatory content that has tarnished his reputation. The controversy has sparked widespread public interest, with plans for nationwide protests in support of Farotimi gaining momentum.

The Allegations

Chief Afe Babalola, a revered legal icon and elder statesman, filed a complaint with the Ekiti Police Command alleging that the 104-page book authored by Farotimi defamed him. The book, which recently went viral, is said to have damaged Babalola’s reputation, particularly in Ekiti State, where he resides.

Farotimi, based in Lagos, was arrested and transported to Ekiti, where he was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti. The presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, denied Farotimi bail, ordering his remand in prison custody until December 10.

Public Outrage and Planned Protests

The decision to deny Farotimi bail has sparked outrage among Nigerians. Activists and supporters have announced plans for mega protests across Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, and Ekiti State on December 10 to demand his immediate release.

Afenifere Weighs In

In response to the escalating tensions, Afenifere has urged Nigerians to allow the courts to handle the matter, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.

“The legal system provides an opportunity for parties in a dispute to prove their cases,” said Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary.

Ajayi added that the courts are best suited to ensure justice for both parties while protecting public interest.

“We enjoin all parties to conduct themselves in total submission to and respect for the rule of law,” Ajayi stated.

Afenifere also called on the government to ensure the judiciary remains impartial and that the rule of law is upheld throughout the proceedings.

A Call for Peace

The socio-political group appealed to Nigerians to avoid actions or statements that could lead to unrest, stressing that peaceful resolution through the judicial process remains the most effective way to address grievances.

While the court deliberates on the matter, Afenifere urged both parties and the public to prioritize peace and fairness.

A Broader Concern

The case has brought to light broader concerns about freedom of speech, the balance between criticism and defamation, and the role of the judiciary in protecting reputations without stifling public discourse.

As December 10 approaches, all eyes will be on both the court proceedings and the planned protests, which could further test Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.