Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the criminal defamation charges against Dele Farotimi, a legal practitioner and activist.
Farotimi was arrested and arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti for allegedly defaming Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and elder statesman, in his book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice”.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, emphasized the importance of allowing the courts to decide on the matter, stating that “the legal system provides an opportunity for parties in a dispute to prove their cases”.
He added that the interests of both parties and the general public must be protected and justice dispensed fairly.
Farotimi’s arrest and detention have sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians planning to stage protests in Lagos, Abuja, and Ekiti on December 10 to demand his release.
However, Afenifere has cautioned against statements and actions that may lead to a breach of peace, urging all parties to conduct themselves in total submission to and respect for the rule of law.
The organization also called on the government to ensure a total observance of the rule of law, emphasizing that the court is the best forum to determine whose rights have been breached and how.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the courts will decide on the defamation charges against Farotimi.
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