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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.
Breaking
International: Iran Confirms Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes — 40-Day National Mourning Declared
By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent
Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.
The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.
President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.
Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.
The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Nigeria’s Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to accelerate the expansion of its oil refinery, reinforcing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and industrial development.
The company disclosed on Tuesday that the newly acquired equipment will support ongoing projects across its refining, petrochemical, agricultural, and infrastructure operations. The strategic investment is part of Dangote Group’s broader plan to scale up the refinery’s output toward a projected capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.
Industry analysts say the expansion represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening local production and economic growth.
The Dangote Refinery, regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to enhance fuel availability, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a key exporter of refined petroleum products in the global energy market.
Breaking
Agbor Makes List as PDP Appoints Caretaker Committees for Osun, Enugu, Imo, Rivers and Delta States
By: Divine Perezide
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved new caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of the party in five states, pending the inauguration of fresh executive structures.
In a public notice dated January 15, 2026, and signed by the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, the NWC said the decision was taken on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and in line with constitutional provisions. According to the statement, the appointments were made “pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of our Constitution (2025 as amended).”
State Committees Announced
For Delta State, the committee is headed by Prof. Sylvester Monye as Chairman, with Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq. serving as Secretary. They will be supported by 16 other members including Ujor Ucheonny, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukuta, Comdr. Johnbull Aghogho Kenairu, Chief Ekiyor Charles, and Hon. Mrs. Vero Egbuna, among others.
In Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo was appointed Chairman, while Martin Ugwuamaideze was named Secretary. The committee includes seven additional members such as Ugwu Uchenna Godswill, Lilian C.E. Ugwuoke, and Chief Cosmas Onyia.
The Imo State Caretaker Committee is comparatively lean, with Chief John Jude Okere as Chairman and Mr. Magnus Amadi as Secretary.
For Rivers State, Ogbam Ojimah was named Chairman, with Dr. Field Baribeful Nkor appointed as Secretary. Other members include Richard Enyia Victor, Grace Boma Harry, Princess Isoma Stella Elenwa, and Austin Emeka Wali.
In Osun State, Hon. Tunde Tijani leads the committee, with Hon. Bamidele Seyi-Abiola serving as Secretary. Five additional members were listed, including Hon. Lateef Mumini Obidel and Alhaji Sarafa Gbadeamosi.
Mandate and Tenure
The PDP clarified that the committees are mandated to “manage the affairs of the Party in their respective States, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP Constitution.” The party further noted that the duration of the committees “shall not exceed 90 days, or until such a time as a new Executive Committee is elected.”
Members were also advised to conduct their activities in compliance with the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).
Meanwhile, the notice closed with the party’s slogan, “PDP, Power to the People,” indicating continuity of its internal restructuring ahead of future political engagements.