The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has called for calm and respect for the rule of law as the courts deliberate on the criminal defamation case involving legal practitioner Mr. Dele Farotimi and renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola.
The case stems from a petition filed by Chief Babalola, who alleges that certain passages in Farotimi’s 104-page book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice, defame him. Following the complaint, the Nigeria Police filed defamation charges against Farotimi.
Speaking on the matter, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, emphasized the importance of allowing the judiciary to handle the case without interference.
“The legal system provides an opportunity for parties in a dispute to prove their cases.
“The interests of both parties and the general public must be protected, and justice dispensed fairly,” Ajayi stated.
Afenifere also warned against any actions or statements that could escalate tensions.
“We enjoin all parties to conduct themselves in total submission to and respect for the rule of law,” Ajayi added, noting that the courts remain the appropriate venue for resolving such disputes.
Chief Babalola, who resides in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, maintains that the alleged defamatory content in Farotimi’s book, authored in Lagos, has the potential to harm his reputation globally, including in his place of residence.
Afenifere further appealed to the government to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law while urging all stakeholders to resist the temptation to heighten tensions around the case.
“We trust the judiciary to dispense justice without fear or favour. All parties should refrain from actions that may lead to a breach of peace,” Ajayi concluded.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between the rights of authors to
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