Context
Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, a highly respected legal luminary, philanthropist, and founder of Afe Babalola University, has filed a petition with the police against lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi. The petition stems from statements made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which Babalola alleges are defamatory and damaging to his reputation and that of his law firm.
Allegations in the Book
Farotimi’s book contains numerous claims implicating Babalola in judicial misconduct, corruption, and unethical practices, including:
- Accusations of compromising the Supreme Court to secure fraudulent judgments in favor of his clients.
- Allegations of influencing judges and undermining the judiciary’s integrity.
- Claims of orchestrating conspiracies with lawyers and other judicial officers.
These allegations are detailed in various chapters of the book, with assertions that Babalola’s actions tarnished the legal profession and contributed to systemic corruption within Nigeria’s judicial system.
Babalola’s Response
In his petition, Babalola categorically denies the claims, labeling them as false, malicious, and intended to destroy his hard-earned reputation. He argues that the statements violate Sections 373, 374, and 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which prohibit defamatory publications likely to expose an individual to ridicule, contempt, or hatred.
Babalola highlights that the publication has been widely disseminated, both in print and online, causing significant reputational damage to him, his law firm, and his associates. He emphasizes that these statements have:
- Caused clients to lose confidence in his firm and seek legal services elsewhere.
- Elicited disdain from members of the public, particularly in Ekiti State and within the legal community.
- Threatened public peace and undermined the integrity of the legal profession.
A Career of Integrity
Babalola outlines his illustrious career and contributions to law, education, and public service, underscoring the depth of his accomplishments:
- Founder of Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), training over 300 lawyers, including 14 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
- Renowned for landmark legal cases and significant contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence.
- Established Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), a leading institution in Africa.
- Recipient of numerous accolades, including Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Legal Action and the Path Forward
Babalola asserts that Farotimi’s allegations are baseless and were made with the intent to discredit him personally and professionally. He has requested legal action against Farotimi to address the defamation, safeguard his reputation, and uphold justice.
This case highlights the tension between freedom of expression and the protection of individual reputations within the legal framework. It serves as a reminder of the critical need for due diligence and accuracy in public discourse, particularly in matters as sensitive as judicial integrity.
