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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.
By: Divine Perezide
As the countdown begins for the forthcoming Ijaw Media Conference Volume 2, the organizers, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has announced that the President of Egbema Brotherhood, Alaowei Promise Lawuru, has accepted the role of Guest of Honour come December 2025.
IPF had earlier announced the second edition of its annual event, with the Christined “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
Chief Lawuru, the young Ijaw businessman and politician, received a delegation of the Central Working Committee led by Pastor Arex Akemotubo last Monday, where the invitation was extended to him.
Akemotubo explained that this year’s theme was chosen out of concern for the growing strain on the region’s land and waters. The Publisher of WaffiTV stressed that the forum wants to strengthen public understanding, support honest reporting, and encourage leaders to protect the resources of the Niger Delta for generations to come, adding that Lawuru’s antecedence of service to humanity and unwavering commitment to community development made him a natural choice for the role.
Chief Lawuru welcomed the invitation and spoke warmly about the need for shared responsibility among stakeholders and groups such the IPF. He commended the Forum for using media to defend the region’s interests and promised full support for the conference.
Lawuru further urged other stakeholders across the Ijaw nation to throw their weight behind efforts that safeguard the resources and environment of Ijaw nation in particular and the larger Niger Delta region.
As the train continues to galvanise leaders across the region, IduwiniVoice can report that the who is who in the Niger Delta from business to political sphere are marked to be in attendance.
IduwiniVoice
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NNAMDI KANU: INC CALLS FOR POLITICAL SOLUTION OVER KANU’S LIFE SENTENCE, WARNS AGAINST NATIONAL TENSIONS
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global, has expressed concerns over the life sentence handed down to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urging the Federal Government to pursue a political solution rather than rely solely on judicial outcomes.
In a statement issued from Ijaw House, Yenagoa, on November 22, 2025, the INC President, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, emphasized that the ruling carries far-reaching implications for National Cohesion, democratic values, and the quest for justice in Nigeria, among other international considerations.
Read the full text of the press statement:
“PRESS STATEMENT BY THE IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC) ON THE RECENT JUDGMENT IN THE CASE OF MR. NNAMDI KANU
“IJAW HOUSE, YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
“22 November, 2025
“The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people worldwide, has watched with keen interest the developments surrounding the recent life sentence passed on Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“While we acknowledge the authority of the Nigerian judiciary and its right to adjudicate on matters before it, we are deeply concerned about the wider implications of this judgment. The INC, under my leadership, has consistently advocated for the strict adherence to the rule of law, constructive dialogue, and the pursuit of political solutions to address the deep-seated grievances that threaten our national fabric.
“In light of this, the INC hereby states as follows:
1. A Call for Calm and Non-Violence: We strongly urge the people of the South-East and all Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding in the wake of this judgment. We must not allow this moment to be exploited by those who would lead us down a path of destruction and further bloodshed. The challenges we face require wisdom and intellectual engagement, not a descent into anarchy.
2. The Imperative of a Political Solution: The issues that gave rise to the agitations led by Mr. Kanu are fundamentally political in nature. They are rooted in long-standing feelings of marginalization, inequity, and a failure of national integration. A judicial ruling, no matter how definitive, cannot by itself extinguish these underlying causes. We therefore call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately explore and deploy a political solution to this matter. True and lasting peace is achieved not by silencing voices but by addressing the legitimate concerns they raise.
3. A Test of Our Democracy and Federalism: This moment presents a critical test for our democracy. A nation that thrives on the principles of justice and equity must be cautious in the application of laws that can be perceived as punitive rather than corrective. We remind the government that the strength of our federation lies in its ability to accommodate diverse opinions and address grievances through dialogue and inclusive governance.
“The Ijaw people, having ourselves been at the receiving end of a state structure that often disregards the principles of true federalism, empathize with any group that feels alienated and marginalized. We stand for a Nigeria where justice and fairness are not mere slogans but the guiding principles of statecraft.
“We conclude by reiterating our steadfast commitment to a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria, but one that is built on the foundations of justice, equity, and respect for all constituent nationalities
“Signed:
Professor Benjamin Okaba
President,
Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global”
Professor Okaba reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful and united Nigeria founded on true justice, equity, and respect for all nationalities. It called on the government to demonstrate leadership by choosing dialogue over force and by addressing the root causes of agitations across the federation. The INC maintained that only inclusive governance and genuine political engagement can guarantee lasting stability and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
– Invites all critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta to be in attendance
By: Daire Perez,
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has unveiled plans for the second edition of its annual Ijaw Media Conference, scheduled for December 11, 2025. The event themed “Safeguarding Oil and Gas Natural Resources for Future Generations in the Niger Delta,” will be held at KFT Place, beginning at 12 noon.
In a statement issued by the IPF National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the Forum emphasized that the conference seeks to deepen public awareness of the dangers posed by oil theft, unchecked resources extraction, and worsening environmental degradation across the region. According to the organisation, these activities continue to devastate local ecosystems, disrupt livelihood, and impede sustainable development.
The statement further disclosed that the 2025 planning committee led by Pastor Arex Akemotubo, has been tasked with the honorous task of organising a successful and impactful event. Other members of the committee includes Tare Magbei (Secretary), Ezekiel Kagbala, Sunday Daniel, Mike Ugedi, Doctor Kegbe, Sam Dogitimi, and Tam Okunbiri.
The Forum called on regional leaders, community stakeholders, and young people to collaborate with relevant authorities and security agencies in promoting efforts to safeguard the Niger Delta’s natural resources. It stressed the importance of sustained public engagement in protecting both the environment and the wellbeing of the people.
The IPF encouraged all stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the conference, noting that additional information will be provided in subsequent updates.