All we want is justice for all in this matter, group says, vouchers for Afe
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
A group, Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy (JABL) has advocated for justice, fairness and equity in the legal battle between renowned legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, and a Lagos-based rights activist, Dele Farotimi.
It said having related with the legal icon and his Emmanuel Chambers, it could vouch for his integrity.
The group made these known at a news conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Monday.
Convener of the group, Femi Alufa, maintained that Aare Afe Babalola’s exemplary life of integrity and virtue earned him a place, not only in the legal profession, but also in all spheres of life.
Alufa noted that Mr. Farotimi, who is also a legal practitioner of repute, 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.
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He said every Nigerian had 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.
Publicity Secretary of the group, Professor Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, also 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.
Opeyeoluwa 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.
Other members of the group, which included Professor Adeyemi Ademowo, Professor Ademola Azeez and Professor Ayodeji Emmanuel demanded for justice for “a man who has given his best to his profession and country.”
The legal icon, Afe Babalola and Farotimi are currently embroiled in a legal battle over a book authored by Mr. Farotimi entitled; “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” in which Babalola claimis he had been defamed.
The case is set to commence on February 13th 2025 at the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
