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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 Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja – The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State has summoned the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), to appear before it on Thursday for an interactive session concerning developments in the state.
This was revealed in a statement released on Wednesday by the House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi (Jnr), who disclosed that the 21-member committee, chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, was officially inaugurated by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
The committee’s formation follows the National Assembly’s resolution endorsing the President’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
According to Rotimi, the invitation to the Sole Administrator was among the resolutions reached during the committee’s inaugural meeting on Wednesday. The meeting focused on initial reports and unfolding situations in the state since Vice Admiral Ibas took over administrative duties.
Rotimi stated, “Pursuant to its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Committee resolved, among other matters, to invite Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session.”
In his remarks, Prof. Ihonvbere emphasized the importance of the engagement, stating, “This engagement is necessary to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State and ensure that the House remains properly guided in the discharge of its oversight responsibilities in the public interest.”
The Sole Administrator is expected to appear before the committee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM in Room 414 of the House of Representatives New Building at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a significant development from Port Harcourt, the Federal High Court has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to unseat 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who were accused of switching party allegiance.
The suit, filed by the Labour Party, called for the removal of the lawmakers from office over their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Presiding over the matter, Justice Emmanuel A. Obile issued the ruling on Tuesday, effectively ending the legal challenge.
The decision was confirmed by Martins Nwachukwu, a media aide to Speaker Martins Amaewhule—one of the lawmakers at the center of the controversy—through a social media announcement.
During court proceedings, lawyers representing the lawmakers urged the court to strike out the case, referencing a recent ruling by the Supreme Court. They presented a Certified True Copy of the apex court’s judgment, which they argued validated Amaewhule’s leadership of the Assembly. The defense also pointed out that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had already withdrawn similar allegations in a related case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, Clifford Chukwu, counsel for the Labour Party, maintained that the matter of defection was still a valid legal concern. He described it as a “collateral matter” and insisted the court should proceed, citing evidence already submitted in the case.
As of now, this remains a developing story, with political observers closely watching the implications for the ongoing power struggle in Rivers State.
By Divine Perezide
The Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Paul Bebenimibo as the institution’s new Registrar, along with two other individuals filling vital administrative roles.
The appointments were made during the university’s 21st Governing Council meeting held on April 15, 2025, in Warri, Delta State.
Joining Dr. Bebenimibo in these new leadership positions are Abduldayan Fatimah Jibril, who has been named University Librarian, and Gbe Tamaraudebaemi Justin, who takes up the role of Bursar.
Before this appointment, Dr. Bebenimibo was the Head of the Department of Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka. He is widely respected as a seasoned academic and administrator, bringing a wealth of experience in managing higher education institutions.
He also previously served as the Commissioner representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). His reputation for integrity, commitment, and academic excellence played a pivotal role in his selection.
The process leading to the appointments was described as competitive and transparent, overseen by an eight-member interview panel established by the university.
In an official statement, the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council, Abdullahi Bardi, emphasized that the selections were carried out in line with the university’s statutory guidelines.
Bardi noted his optimism about the future of the university under the leadership of the new appointees, stating: “Their wealth of experience and professionalism would significantly bolster the continued growth and development of the Nigeria Maritime University.”
The appointments mark a significant step in the university’s efforts to strengthen its administrative leadership and academic direction.