Dele Farotimi Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Defamation Of Afe Babalola

Dele Farotimi Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Defamation Of Afe BabalolaAfe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has filed a petition accusing activist-lawyer Dele Farotimi of defaming him in relation to a Supreme Court judgment concerning a land dispute. The petition, submitted to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police on November 19, outlines how Babalola’s law firm came across defamatory statements in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which allegedly tarnished his reputation and that of his firm.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The case stems from a long-running land dispute involving the Eletu family and the Ojomu family, with Babalola’s firm representing the Eletus in a Supreme Court case that concluded in their favor in 2013. Following the judgment, new lawsuits were filed by individuals and estates affected by the decision, including one that allegedly involved Farotimi as a lawyer.

Babalola accuses Farotimi of publishing false and defamatory claims in his book, including allegations of judicial corruption and fraud involving the Supreme Court judgment. These statements, according to Babalola, have caused significant harm to his reputation, leading to public outrage and clients withdrawing from his law firm.

Babalola’s petition highlights several passages from Farotimi’s book, which claim that Babalola and his legal team, including lawyers Olu Daramola SAN and Ola Faro, were involved in corrupt practices to secure a fraudulent judgment. Farotimi further accused Babalola of using his influence to manipulate judicial outcomes and diminish the integrity of the Supreme Court.

Babalola denies these allegations, stating that they were deliberately written to destroy his hard-earned reputation and tarnish his contributions to the Nigerian legal system. He emphasizes his distinguished career, noting his significant role in landmark cases and his contributions to legal education, including his founding of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.

In his petition, Babalola has called for the prosecution of Farotimi under Nigeria’s defamation laws, which prohibit statements that expose individuals to public hatred, ridicule, or contempt. He also expressed concern that the false claims could lead to widespread damage to his career and legal practice, both locally and internationally.

The matter has gained considerable attention, especially in the legal community, and further developments are expected as the case progresses.

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