The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called on Nigerians to respect the judicial process in the case involving rights activist Mr. Dele Farotimi, who is facing criminal defamation charges filed by the Police based on complaints from elder statesman Chief Afe Babalola.Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, has alleged that certain sections of Farotimi’s 104-page book, titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice,’ defame him and subsequently petitioned the Police for action. While Babalola resides in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Farotimi is based in Lagos.In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, Afenifere emphasized that the legal system allows both parties to present their cases.
The organization believes that it is crucial to protect the interests of both the individuals involved and the public at large, ensuring that justice is served fairly.Afenifere stated,
The court is best positioned to determine how these interests are safeguarded and to guarantee that the prosecution aligns with the principles of justice.” The group urged all involved to refrain from making inflammatory statements or taking actions that could disrupt public peace and called on the government to uphold the rule of law.Afenifere reiterated that the appropriate venue for adjudicating claims of rights violations is the court system as established by the constitution. They stressed that the case is correctly situated for all parties to adequately present their arguments and called on them to adhere to the rule of law.”In anticipation of a fair and impartial judicial process, Afenifere urges everyone, especially those directly involved, to resist the temptation to escalate tensions.”
