Lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, who was being held in detention for allegedly defaming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and businessman, Afe Babalola, was on Monday granted bail in the sum of N50 million.
This was as a vanguard under the aegis of Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy JABL, has defended Aare Afe Babalola on his pursuit of justice to clear his name and reputation, which they claimed was smeared by Dele Farotimi in a book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
The group at a press conference in Ado Ekiti, led by the publicity secretary, Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, said the group was ready to uphold the legacies of Babalola whose name and reputation were being dragged in the mud by Farotimi by claiming he corrupted the judiciary by buying judgements through the backdoor.
Opeyeoluwa declared that it was pathetic and unfortunate that Babalola, who had built his name in gold over a long period of years should be defamed in such manner with a section of the population joining the bandwagon to drag his name in the mud.
“Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy feels the urgent need to respond to the barrage false, unfounded and malicious accusation of corruption of the Nigerian Supreme Court and some judges in Lagos State.
“Mr. Dele Farotimi in his book referenced the case of Major Murtala BadamosiEletu decided in favour of the Eletu family on the 13-7-2013 and varied by the supreme court on 18-3-2014 pursuant to order 8, Rule 16 of the Supreme Courtrules.
“He also alleged that Aare Babalola and his lawyers consistently corrupted thesupreme court over the years to do his bidding,” he stated.
High Chief Mike Osaloni, the Olotin of Ado Ekiti who also doubles as the head of Afe Babalola’s family, also said the family was ready to battle anyone trying to ridicule Afe’s name.
“Only a man of feeble mind will point fingers at Aare Afe Babalola and I am highly disappointed in the position of some people,” he said.
Meanwhile a Federal High Court, which granted Farotimi bail, made the decision during a hearing that saw his legal team argue in favour of his release pending further proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, was in Ado Ekiti on Monday to plead with Babalola on behalf of Farotimi.
Obi who went straight to Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) to meet the aged man, later visited the embattled activist, Farotimi at the Ado Ekiti correctional centre where he was being kept.