5 days Ago By John Chukwu
A group, Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy on Sunday urged the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, to work with facts in the ongoing defamation case involving human right activist Dele Farotimi and the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN). Babalola had petitioned Farotimi over his accusation in his book: “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” that he (Babalola) corrupted the Supreme Court Farotimi was later arrested and charged for defamation at the Ekiti State Chief Magistrate’s Court. The court reserved a ruling on his bail application till December 20.
The Afenifere National Caucus, however, in a solidarity visit to Farotimi at the Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre on Friday, criticised Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, for denying him bail. The pro-Babalola group’s spokesman, Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, said at a press conference in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, that the defamation claims against Farotimi were valid and underscored the need for judicial resolution. He said: “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.
READ ALSO: Yoruba Union condemns Farotimi’s detention, demands withdrawal of lawsuits within 3 weeks “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. “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.” The group also expressed disappointment over public misrepresentation of the case. It also reaffirmed its commitment to justice on the matter.
Opeyeoluwa added: “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. “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.
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