Breaking
Afe Babalola Withdraws Defamation Cases Against Farotimi. See Why
Ado-Ekiti, January 27, 2025
The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has decided to withdraw the legal cases against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi. This decision was made after an intervention led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers.
Babalola had filed a petition with the Ekiti State Police Commissioner, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. This led to Farotimi’s arrest and arraignment before two courts: a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation and a Federal High Court in the same district for alleged cyber-bullying.
At a gathering held at Afe Babalola University after a midnight meeting with Yoruba monarchs, Babalola announced his intention to drop the charges. He said, “I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case.”
The meeting was attended by several traditional rulers, including the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro (the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti), Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe (the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti), Oba Joseph Adewole (the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti), Oba Adejimi Adu (the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti), Oba Michael Ademolaju (the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti), and Oba Emmanuel Aladejare (the Alaaye of Efon-Ekiti).
During the meeting, Babalola expressed his disappointment over Farotimi’s accusations, stating, “I felt so bad that he accused me of winning all my cases through corruption.” He explained that he had previously rejected appeals to withdraw the cases, despite interventions from notable figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah, and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti.
“If you go through his pamphlet, you will see that he attacked many judges, including Supreme Court judges, by name,” Babalola said. “I am bothered because of where and how I started life—from the farm to where I am today.” However, he added, “There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment or any damages. The only time I am happy is when I give.”
The Ooni of Ife, speaking on behalf of the monarchs, praised Babalola for his contributions to Yoruba culture, Nigeria, and the global community. “Your name is more than silver and gold,” the Ooni said, assuring Babalola that his reputation remained untarnished. “We, the obas, can attest to the hard work of Aare Afe Babalola. Nobody can joke with your name.”
Addressing Babalola directly, the Ooni said, “Dele Farotimi is your son, even if you do not know him personally. As elders and custodians of Yoruba culture, we appeal to you—enough is enough. Your name is intact, and we have resolved this matter in our own way.”
Babalola ultimately acknowledged the appeals of the monarchs and expressed his respect for the traditional institution, agreeing to end the legal proceedings.
Breaking
President Tinubu Reportedly Dismisses INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Nominates Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan as Replacement
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a development that has stirred major political discourse across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allegedly relieved the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, of his duties.
A reliable source from within the Presidency revealed that Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan has been nominated as the new head of the electoral commission, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
While no official announcement has been made at the time of reporting, the move was said to have been decided during a confidential meeting held earlier today at the Presidential Villa. The motivation behind the abrupt leadership shift remains uncertain. However, political commentators speculate that it could be tied to ongoing electoral reform efforts and dissatisfaction with INEC’s handling of recent elections.
Appointed initially in 2015 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed in 2020, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has overseen two national elections and numerous off-cycle polls. His tenure has faced criticism over logistical setbacks and claims of electoral malpractice.
His proposed successor, Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan, is a respected academic with deep expertise in constitutional law and a history of contributing to electoral policy reforms. His selection has already sparked debate among political stakeholders and civil society organizations.
As the nation awaits formal communication from the Presidency and a decision by the Senate, uncertainty surrounds what impact this leadership change may have on INEC’s integrity and readiness for upcoming elections.
By Divine Perezide
A recent video of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sparked concern across social media platforms after he was seen limping noticeably during a public appearance. The footage, which has quickly circulated online, shows the minister walking with an apparent limp, triggering widespread speculation and public concern about his health.
The video has led many Nigerians to question whether Wike might have truly collapsed as alleged last week but struggling to conceal his health status. Social media users have urged him to slow down and prioritize his well-being amidst his busy political schedule. Some speculated that the limp could be an early indication of a more serious condition, such as a partial stroke, while others blamed his relentless political activities for possible physical strain.
Commentary on X (formerly Twitter) captured a mix of concern and empathy:
@kennywrites said, “Wike has been everywhere lately. Maybe it’s time he rests a bit. Health is wealth.”
@DRealIfeanyi added, “I don’t support his politics, but I wish him well. No one deserves to be in pain.”
@NaijaUpdates247 commented, “Hope Wike is okay. That limp didn’t look minor. He should get it checked out and take some time off if needed.”
Other remarks circulating online included: “Wike didn’t collapse o. We lied.” and “Instead of him to take time off and heal of his partial stroke, he is struggling to conceal it.”
Another concerned user wrote, “Wike, rest small, politics will always be here.”
As of now, the minister’s declaration that, he never collapsed at any time last week end is still being read with a lot of meanigs in people’s minds as the online community continues to call for caution and self-care.
By Divine Perezide
The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, a key organiser behind the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest, has unveiled plans to hold a nationwide demonstration on April 7, 2025. The protest aims to challenge what the group describes as the imposition of an “emergency rule” in Rivers State and the alleged misuse of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act to stifle dissent and silence critical voices online.
In a statement shared with PUNCH, National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized that the primary demand is the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which, according to him, is being used to target activists, journalists, and social media influencers.
“We’re seeing a trend where freedom of speech is under siege. The Cybercrime Act has become a tool to harass those who question authority – from journalists to online commentators like SeaKing,” Sanyaolu stated.
The TIB also condemned what it refers to as the “militarisation” of Rivers State, claiming that the current governance structure resembles a de facto military regime. The movement is calling for the immediate restoration of all suspended state institutions, including the State House of Assembly and the Executive branch.
“We want an end to policies that have worsened the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The economic hardship is real, and people are suffering,” Sanyaolu added.
The protest, tagged “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Free Speech Suppression,” will begin at the National Assembly in Abuja, with additional protest locations to be announced.
Over the past year, several journalists have reportedly faced intimidation and arrests, including Segun Olatunji, former editor at First News; Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism; Dayo Aiyetan of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting; and Nurudeen Akewushola, an investigative journalist.
The suspension of democratic structures in Rivers State has sparked widespread backlash and calls for restraint from various civic groups and political stakeholders.
As inflation continues to rise and the cost of living soars, many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the economic challenges gripping the country, adding fuel to the growing dissent against the federal government’s policies.
Source: SaharaReporters