The Ekiti Youth Home Based (EYHB) has expressed deep concern over the ‘unjust’ criminal defamation of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, iconic lawyer, philanthropist and founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) by Mr.Dele Farotimi in his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”
EYHB in a statement by its Convener, Prince Ademola Adedayo demanded swift justice for Aare Afe Babalola and his reputable law firm, Afe Babalola & Co.
“We demand that the Judiciary take immediate steps to review this case and provide the necessary support for Aare Afe Babalola on this criminal defamation and the assassination of his character by Mr Dele Farotimi and his book .
“It is critical that the defamation of the personality of Aare Afe Babalola should be addressed with urgency to restore his dignity and that of his noble family and firm.
“Mr Dele Farotimi is getting unnecessary popularity with his libelous book online and some bookstore across the country, the circumstances surrounding the incarceration of Farotimi raise grave alarms about the accountability and ethical standards within the judiciary.”
The book’s sudden popularity followed Mr. Farotimi’s arrest earlier this week on the formal petition by prominent lawyer and philanthropist, Aare Afe Babalola to the Police Command in Ekiti State.’The book, published in July 2024, had garnered little attention until Tuesday, December 3rd when armed police apprehended Mr. Farotimi in Lagos and transported him to Ado Ekiti, a city where Aare Afe Babalola lives and owns a university.
The author directly accused Aare Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal icon of undermining the country’s justice system by influencing court decisions through bribes and backdoor dealings.
Some Critics see the detention as an attack on freedom of expression and an attempt to silence Farotimi’s damning expose while others see it as an affront to Aare Afe Babalola’s reputation over six decades and to the Nigerian judiciary itself.
The controversy propelled the book to a bestseller on Amazon’s list and spurred a surge in sales at bookstores across Nigeria.
The publisher of Ekiti Summit News Media, Mr.Femi Alufa in his own online statement added
“Aare Afe Babalola is a beacon of inspiration to us all not only in Ekiti State or in his legal profession.His immutable life lessons and principles is a source of inspiration and beacon of inspiration that is beautiful and makes him a legend that we are all proud of not only because of his outstanding and sterling qualities but because of rare contribution to humanity at large through his positive influence.
These amongst other things make us to be looking up to him as a father -figure and role model while still alive as a nonagerian.”
The Nigerian police charged Farotimi with publishing material “likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or disturb the public peace,” according to a charge sheet.
Aare Emmanuel Afe Babalola, is often regarded as Ekiti State’s most living legend and benefactor of humanity. We therefore seek justice for Aare Afe Babalola, defamation of his personality is a crime against his humanity.
The court judges must remain irrepressible and resolute in delivering fair justice in this historic matter.
“Aare Afe Babalola’s life and legacy is beyond stupendous. It is phenomenal. If there’s a living legend in Nigeria whose life is an epitome of hardwork, honesty, humility, kindness and constancy to one’s purpose in life,his name is Afe Babalola.His good name and living legacy should not just be rubbished.”