“I Still Face Four Lawsuits from Afe Babalola” – Dele Farotimi

Activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi has revealed that he still faces four lawsuits filed by members of the Aare Afe Babalola law office, despite the withdrawal of criminal charges against him. Farotimi made this known on Sunday during the Toyin Falola Interviews, where he discussed legal and societal issues.

The legal battle stems from a petition filed by Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) to the police commissioner in Ekiti State, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’ Following the petition, the police arrested Farotimi and arraigned him before two courts in Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation and cyber-bullying. However, Babalola later withdrew the case after interventions by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers.

Despite this development, Farotimi disclosed that he remains entangled in civil litigation initiated by members of Babalola’s law office across four different states. He expressed concern over these lawsuits, stating that his book was not written as an act of defamation but as a researched critique of Nigeria’s judicial system.

Farotimi emphasized that his work was based on facts and observations rather than mere allegations. He challenged critics to read his book and contest any inaccuracies, stressing that his intention was never to tarnish Babalola’s image but to highlight institutional shortcomings within the judiciary. He dismissed claims that the ongoing legal battle was a personal dispute, arguing that the real issue on trial was Nigeria’s legal system and its accountability.

He reiterated that his book was not targeted at individuals but at the larger issue of systemic corruption within the judiciary. He defended his right to express his observations and criticized those who condemned his book without reading it. According to him, Nigeria must confront difficult truths if it is to undergo meaningful reform.

Farotimi concluded by stating that his ongoing legal troubles were a result of speaking the truth rather than fabricating lies. He urged Nigerians to engage with his work critically rather than dismissing it based on preconceived biases.