The founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola, has voiced his displeasure over the purported libelous statements made against him by human rights advocate and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, in his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
Babalola decried that the book has sullied the reputation he painstakingly built over the years.
During a press briefing at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre in Ado-Ekiti, Babalola’s lead attorney, Owoseni Ajayi, asserted that the damaging act cannot be adequately addressed through monetary compensation.
Ajayi highlighted several deceptive reports, particularly on social media, regarding the ongoing case involving the Nigerian Police and Dele Farotimi.
“Ordinarily, we would have remained silent since the matter is sub judice. However, to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from being misled by blatant misrepresentations, it has become necessary for us to respond,” Ajayi remarked.
He stressed the significance of hearing all sides of a story, citing the legal maxim “Audi Alteram Partem,” meaning “hear the other side.” Ajayi also referenced a Yoruba saying, “A gbo ejo enikan da, agba osika ni,” which translates to “anyone who judges based on one side of the story is most unjust.”
The attorney noted that, not long ago, many social media users praised Babalola for his fearless stance in speaking truth to power “as he always does for the benefit of our dear nation.” However, due to Farotimi’s one-sided narrative, Babalola and his family are now being mercilessly vilified online.
Ajayi disclosed that Babalola submitted a petition to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, urging intervention in the matter.
“I requested that Farotimi be compelled to substantiate the accuracy of his claims, failing which he should be prosecuted for criminal defamation, in line with Nigeria’s existing laws,” the counsel stated.
The petition further sought to restrain Farotimi from disseminating any additional defamatory content targeting Babalola’s hard-earned reputation, his law firm’s credibility, and the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.
Ajayi questioned, “Is it wrong for Afe Babalola to demand justice for these baseless allegations against him? Or is justice reserved only for Mr. Dele Farotimi because Afe Babalola is a global figure?”
He emphasized that if Farotimi can prove the truth of his claims, he would have nothing to fear. However, until then, “the law upholds free speech but prohibits speech intended to harm another’s good name.”
Ajayi urged Nigerians to investigate and verify facts before taking sides, asserting that all information is available for scrutiny.
He also criticized the stance of the NBA President on the matter as “entirely misleading,” referencing the case of Aviomoh v. C.O.P. (2022) NWLR (pt. 1819) 69, which affirms that defamation constitutes both a civil wrong and a criminal offense.
Meanwhile, Dele Farotimi faces fresh cybercrime charges filed against him by the Nigerian Police at a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti.
Peoplesmind
