The Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy group has advocated for justice, fairness and equity in the legal battle between renowned legal icon, Afe Babalola, SAN, and a Lagos-based rights activist, Dele Farotimi.
The group urged the judiciary to consider all necessary facts in the ongoing case over the Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, in which Farotimi alleged that Afe Babalola had corrupted the Supreme Court.
The group at a news conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Monday, was addressed by its covener, Femi Alufa and joined by other members.
It maintained that Aare Afe Babalola’s exemplary life of integrity and virtue earned him a place, not only in the legal profession, but in all spheres of life.
The group noted that Farotimi, who is also a legal practitioner, would not deliberately act in variance with the law which he vowed to uphold at all times and that he also deserved a fair hearing.
The case followed a petition by Babalola against Farotimi, leading to his arrest and subsequent charged in an Ekiti State Chief Magistrates’ Court, which is to kick off in February, 2025.
The group noted that every Nigerian has the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but such should be exercised within the boundary of the law and with due regard for the rights and dignity of others.
In his opinion, the Publicity secretary of the group, Prof. Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, stressed that Afe Babalola, who had been a mentor to members of the group, was a hardworking, courageous, knowledgeable and daring lawyer, who rose from poverty to achieve greatness.
He urged members of the public to always have faith in the rule of law as the case between Afe Babalola and Farotimi was about the sanctity of justice for individuals and the preservation of the dignity of the judiciary.
“We are deliberate in discussing the matter, as it is before courts of competent jurisprudence; hence, the deliberate side-stepping the matter.
“However, we are maintaining our stand that our mentor and benefactor, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, is a man of exemplary conduct, a seasoned lawyer, whose accomplishments cannot be demolished by actions designed to belittle, ridicule and ultimately defame him,”he said.
The case is set to commence on February 13th, 2025 at the Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Other members of the group, which included Professors Adeyemi Ademowo, Ademola Azeez and Ayodeji Emmanuel, demanded for justice for “a man who has given his best to his profession and country.”