- The socio-political group called on Nigerians to allow the courts to adjudicate and deliver judgment on the criminal defamation charges brought against Farotimi.
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere, has made its position known on the Imbroglio and legal battle between an elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola and a renowned activist, Dele Farotimi.
Recall that Farotimi was arrested by the police in Lagos last week and whisked away to Ekiti State where he was arraigned on charges of defamation.
Farotimi’s arraignment followed a petition by Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to the police alleging that the content of the 104-page book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice’ authored by Farotimi defamed him.
The petitioner asserted that the book which recently went viral can be read anywhere in the world, including Ekiti State where he resides, therefore, damaging his reputation.
Following his arraignment before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun declined his bail request and remanded him in prison custody until December 10.
Some Nigerians have concluded plans to stage a mega protest in Lagos State, the Federal Capital Territory and Ekiti State on December 10 to demand his immediate release.
Reacting to the planned protest, Afenifere advised Nigerians to shelve the public demonstration.
The socio-political group called on Nigerians to allow the courts to adjudicate and deliver judgment on the criminal defamation charges brought against Farotimi.
However, according to the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, “the legal system provides an opportunity for parties in a dispute to prove their cases.”
Afenifere was of the strong opinion that the interests of both parties and the general public “must be protected and justice dispensed fairly.”
Ajayi, in a statement, added that “the court is in the best position to determine how these interests are protected, and to ensure that the prosecution is conducted in a manner that better serves the interest of justice.”
Afenifere enjoined all parties to avoid statements and actions that may lead to a breach of peace, while calling on the government to ensure a total observance of the rule of law.
Afenifere was of the view that the appropriate forum to determine whose rights had been breached and how was the court of law as established by the Nigerian constitution.
“We enjoin all parties to conduct themselves in total submission to and respect for the rule of law”, the spokesman added.
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