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Tag: Afe Babalola

  • Why crime is increasing in Nigeria – Afe Babalola

    Why crime is increasing in Nigeria – Afe Babalola

    Legal luminary and elder statesman, Afe Babalola, SAN, has attributed the increasing crime rate in the country to poor educational standards.

    The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, (ABUAD) stated this on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti while receiving the management of the Ekiti State University Ado-Ekiti(EKSU).

    The EKSU management was led by it’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ayodele.

    The former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of University of Lagos(Unilag) advocated for quality education as antidote to all forms of criminality.

    Babalola stressed the need for systemic reforms, to curb crime, through quality education, in addition to mass youth empowerment.

    “Half education is more dangerous than no education. Many of those engaged in criminal activities today are products of a failing educational system.

    “We must urgently rewrite Nigeria’s educational narrative to foster national development and security,” he said.

    He challenged policy makers, institutions and stakeholders to prioritise research grants, innovation and academic excellence, as critical tools for national progress.

    In her welcome address, ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, lauded Babalola’s visionary leadership, commending him for establishing ABUAD as a trailblazer, in critical areas, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and quality healthcare and education.

    She spotlighted what she called, ‘the peerless and paperless’ ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, the “most well-equipped hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa”, as the nation’s antidote to outward medical tourism.

    “Our hospital recently achieved a medical milestone by successfully delivering twins for a 60-year-old woman. I visited and saw for myself the joy on the faces of members of the family.

    “Our founder’s commitment to world-class healthcare is yielding the desired result,” Olarinde said.

    Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of EKSU praised Babalola as “an unrepentant philanthropist, who constantly adds value to the society.”

    He expressed admiration for the level of infrastructural development in ABUAD, and called for collaboration between the two institutions in areas of agriculture, research and student exchange programmes.

    “We have much to learn from ABUAD Farm. With 14 hectares of tomatoes farms at EKSU ready for harvest, we recognise the need to deepen expertise in agriculture, a vital sector for Nigeria’s future”, Ayodele remarked.

    Mrs Christie Oluborode, ABUAD’s Registrar, while expressing gratitude for the EKSU management’s visit, acknowledged Ayodele as the first EKSU Vice-Chancellor to lead a delegation to ABUAD in 42 years.

  • Nigeria must return to Okebukola’s NUC era to stop mushroom varsities – Afe Babalola

    Nigeria must return to Okebukola’s NUC era to stop mushroom varsities – Afe Babalola

    Legal luminary and elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has warned the Federal Government to stop mass approval of licenses for new universities.

    Babalola, who is the founder of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), said that approving establishment of universities without consideration for quality and infrastructure could adversely affect the country in future, if not stopped immediately.

    The elder statesman gave the warning while speaking at the High Impact Research and Journal Advancement Workshop, organised by ABUAD, on Monday in Ado-Ekiti.

    He said that during the era of Prof. Peter Okebukola, as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), the commission had a reputation for careful, meticulous and painstaking approval process, for the establishment of universities.

    ”Not only was the visitation and accreditation process rigorous, it was also impossible for anyone to obtain approval to commence degree programmes, especially in Medicine, Engineering and Law, especially in the first few years of establishing a university.

    ”But what do we have today? “Mass approval of mushroom and substandard universities, with some, lacking in even the basic learning facilities and infrastructure.

    ”As a result of this anything goes syndrome, approach to university licensing and accreditation, NUC’s ability to ensure quality control, and to stamp out substandard institutions, have been seriously compromised.

    ”We currently have over 270 universities in Nigeria, and proposals for the approval of another 200 new institutions are currently under consideration by the National Assembly”, he said.

    According to Babalola, the focus now seems to be on quantity, not quality, licensing more universities, without adequate plans for monitoring their standards.

    ”The end result is a rapid decline, and rot of our educational system, and in the quality of our graduates.

    “What we need is quality education, because poor education is worse than illiteracy,” the elder statesman said.

    Babalola said that Nigeria could not seriously speak of advancing sustainable development, through high impact research, unless we first address the menace of proliferation of substandard universities in our nation.

    ”If we are really serious about accelerating national development, through research, the starting point will be for the process of approval for university licenses should be thorough,” he said.

    Also, Okebukola, in his lecture titled, ‘Promoting High-Impact Research Publications for Sustainable National Development in Nigeria: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Directions’, called for increased partnership with international researchers, in order to boost the ranking of institutions in Nigeria.

    This, he said, would attract international bodies to ABUAD, and make it surpass other universities in the country.

    Speaking , the Editor-in-Chief of the ABUAD Journal of Sustainable Development, Law and Policy, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, explained that the purpose of the workshop was to instill an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset in the approach to research, publication and journal management.

    He noted that the Journal, which started in 2013 was an accredited Journal by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), a member of the Committee on Publications Ethics (COPE), UK; the Directory of Open Access Journalists (DOAJ) and the African Journals Online (AJOL).

    Earlier in a welcome address, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, said that the organisation of the workshop had been made possible, through the generous support of Electronic Information For Libraries, (EIFL).

    According to her, participants would be equipped with practical knowledge on managing and sustaining Open Access Journals, Ethical Research Publishing, and Improving the Visibility and Credibility of African Academic Outputs.

  • Finally, court strikes out suit Afe Babalola filed against Farotimi

    Finally, court strikes out suit Afe Babalola filed against Farotimi

    A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday struck out the criminal defamation suit against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

    Justice Babs Kuewunmi struck out the case following an application for the withdrawal of the charge by the prosecution.

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had arraigned Farotimi for allegedly defaming legal icon, Afe Babalola, in his book entitled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”

    At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, Mr Samson Osobu, informed the court that the complainant had filed a notice of discontinuance.

    He cited Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to back his argument.

    “The prosecution, with the leave of this honourable court, seeks to withdraw the charge against the defendant and prays that the charge be struck out,” Osobu said.

    He further explained that the decision followed interventions by well-meaning Nigerians and a request from Babalola himself to discontinue the matter.

    The defence counsel, Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), did not oppose the application for withdrawal.

  • Court strikes out defamation suit against Dele Farotimi

    Court strikes out defamation suit against Dele Farotimi

    A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday struck out the criminal defamation suit against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

    Justice Babs Kuewunmi struck out the case following an application for the withdrawal of the charge by the prosecution.

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had arraigned Farotimi for allegedly defaming legal icon, Afe Babalola, in his book entitled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”

    At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, Mr Samson Osobu, informed the court that the complainant had filed a notice of discontinuance.

    He cited Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to back his argument.

    “The prosecution, with the leave of this honourable court, seeks to withdraw the charge against the defendant and prays that the charge be struck out,” Osobu said.

    He further explained that the decision followed interventions by well-meaning Nigerians and a request from Babalola himself to discontinue the matter.

    The defence counsel, Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), did not oppose the application for withdrawal.(

  • After Afe Babalola’s baptism of legal fireworks, Farotimi gets new job

    After Afe Babalola’s baptism of legal fireworks, Farotimi gets new job

    After Afe Babalola withdrew its defamation suit, the faction of Afenifere led by Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a notable Yoruba sociopolitical organization, has appointed lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi as its new National Organising Secretary.

    This decision was reached during a general meeting held on Tuesday at Pa Adebanjo’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

    The announcement was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye. The statement confirmed: “The General Meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere.”

    Farotimi’s appointment comes amidst recent developments in his legal battle with legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, who has chosen to withdraw a defamation lawsuit against him. The lawsuit had been tied to statements made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

    Earlier, Farotimi was arraigned at the Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti and granted bail set at ₦30 million. The case attracted significant public attention, with prominent figures like the Ooni of Ife intervening to mediate. These efforts ultimately contributed to Babalola’s decision to drop the defamation suit.

    Farotimi’s new role within Afenifere signifies an important step in his activism and engagement with Yoruba sociopolitical issues, further highlighting the group’s trust in his leadership capabilities.

  • How Ooni of Ife persuaded Afe Babalola to drop court charges against Dele Farotimi

    How Ooni of Ife persuaded Afe Babalola to drop court charges against Dele Farotimi

    Details regarding how the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, intervened in the lingering court case instituted by Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), against human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi have emerged.

    The Director of Media and Public Affairs for the Ooni’s palace, Moses Olafare in a statement disclosed  that the Ooni of Ife, accompanied by several traditional rulers from Ekiti State, visited Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado Ekiti, on Sunday night to plead with Babalola to withdraw the charges.

    According to the statement, the Ooni, along with other prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III; the Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Joseph Adebayo; the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adejinmi Adu; the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Aladejare Agunsoye II; and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro, held a late-night meeting with Babalola at ABUAD.

    Ooni Ogunwusi passionately appealed to Babalola, emphasizing his role as an elder statesman and a custodian of Yoruba values.

    “We’ve all come together as traditional rulers to discuss this issue. Dele Farotimi is your son, and you must forgive him and withdraw the criminal charges against him,” the Ooni said.

    The monarch also outlined Babalola’s exemplary contributions to Nigeria and the Yoruba race, praising his achievements and stature as a respected elder.

    In response, Afe Babalola, acknowledged the significance of the visit and the influence of Yoruba tradition, agreed to forgive Farotimi and withdraw the charges.

    “Today is a very important day for me. Ewi of Ado, former President Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and others have all intervened. My answer to them was ‘no,’ but today, my answer is ‘yes.’ I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the charges immediately,” Babalola stated.

  • Legal icon, Babalola to withdraw suit against Farotimi

    Legal icon, Babalola to withdraw suit against Farotimi

    Legal icon and elder statesman, Afe Babalola has said he is ready to withdraw his criminal defamation suit against rights activist, Dele Farotimi.

    Babalola had sued Farotimi in an Ado Ekiti Magistrates’ Court following Farotimi’s publication of a book which allegedly defamed him.

    Babalola’s decision to withdraw his suit followed the visit to him by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Sunday night.

    The visit by the Ooni to the elder statesman’s residence at Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) was to plead with him to withdraw the suit.

    The Ooni, who arrived at ABUAD at about 10.30 pm, was accompanied by other top Yoruba traditional rulers.

    Traditional rulers, who came in company with the Ooni, included the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti and Olojudo of Ido- Ekiti among others.

    Speaking at the meeting, Babalola said he had received several letters as well as calls on the issue from eminent Nigerians asking him to withdraw the suit. They included former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Hassan Kukah

    The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said he had no choice than to succumb to the latest pleas by the visiting traditional rulers. He stressed that he had nothing to gain in Farotimi being jailed.

    Babalola assured the traditional rulers that he would direct his lawyers to withdraw the case.

    Earlier, the Ooni had said Yoruba leaders and the traditional institution had been following the development keenly. The traditional ruler said that he and others resolved to intervene so that Babalola, ”can pardon his son, Farotimi.”

    He commended the legal icon for building his integrity over the years and urged him not to relent following the development. The meeting ended at about midnight

    Recall that Babalola recently dragged Farotimi before an Ekiti Magistrates’ court, claiming criminal defamation in the latter’s controversial book, ” Nigeria and its Criminal Justice system.” The court granted Farotimi N30 million bail.

  • Afe Babalola: Nigeria could have happened to me – Farotimi breaks down in tears

    Afe Babalola: Nigeria could have happened to me – Farotimi breaks down in tears

    Controversial human rights lawyer cum activist, Dele Farotimi, has broken down in tears during a live video session while reflecting on the support he received from Nigerians during his detention.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reported that Farotimi, in his alleged defamation case against Afe Babalola, was remanded by the Ekiti state magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti court for 21 days, but was released from the State Correctional Centre after fulfilling his bail conditions.

    The bail conditions include ₦30 million bond, 2 sureties (one shall be a house owner), submit his passport and shall not grant any media interview.

    Speaking during a social media live session on Sunday, Farotimi, unable to control his emotions, shed tears while thanking Nigerians who rallied support for him.

    He said, “We stop being humans because we became Nigerians. They divided us and we fell for it because you wouldn’t see me as a Yoruba, you spoke for me, because you wouldn’t see me as a Christian, you spoke for me. Because you spoke, Nigeria could not happen to me.

    “The only reason Nigeria couldn’t happen to me is because you spoke. You found your voices, I became you and in our collective, you couldn’t be silenced.”

  • Afe Babalola: Farotimi breaks silence after his release from prison

    Afe Babalola: Farotimi breaks silence after his release from prison

    Controversial human rights lawyer cum activist, Dele Farotimi, has reaffirmed his integrity and dedication to truth in his advocacy work.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reported that Farotimi, in his alleged defamation case against Afe Babalola, was granted bail by Ekiti Magistrate Court on Friday.

    The bail conditions include ₦30 million bond, 2 sureties (one shall be a house owner), submit his passport and shall not grant any media interview.

    However, Farotimi was released from the Ekiti State Correctional Centre on Tuesday morning after fulfilling his bail conditions.

    Addressing his supporters after his release, Farotimi said, “In my public advocacy and in my fight and wars against the evil empire that we all live in, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will simply say I don’t know.”

    Farotimi emphasized that truth remains the most effective tool for achieving meaningful change in Nigeria.

  • UPDATE: Ekiti court orders Dele Farotimi to drop his passport

    UPDATE: Ekiti court orders Dele Farotimi to drop his passport

    The Magistrate Court hearing the bail application of Dele Farotimi in Ekiti State on Friday ordered the human rights activist and lawyer to drop his international passport with the court.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Farotimi is facing charges of defamation of Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in his book, titled, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System” at the court.

    The Magistrate Court ordered  Farotimi to drop his international passport with the court as part of the conditions that must be met for his bail.

    The Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun had denied Farotimi bail and adjourned the case on December 10th to hear the bail application today.

    The police counsel, Mr Samson Osobu had submitted that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), under the law, could not represent a defendant at the Magistrate’s Court.

    This came, as Mr Osobu, opposed the appearance of Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fasuka SAN for the defence of Farotimi at the Ado Magistrate’s Court.

    He cited a recent judgement of a court of Appeal in Ibadan, Oyo State, delivered on July 16, where the court ruled that a SAN could not appear before the magistrate court.

    However, Adeyinka Olumide-Fasuka SAN, explained that the Ekiti Magistrate Court Law, enacted by the state House of Assembly, allowed lawyers, irrespective of status and title, to appear in the court, especially in criminal matters as it related to the suit against the defendant.

    He urged the court to reject the argument of the prosecution lawyer, noting that the judgement cited, might not have put into consideration all magistrate court laws across the country.

    Responding on the matter, the Chief Magistrate said he would step down his ruling on the matter, in order for him to read the judgement, cited by the prosecutor.

    He consequently ordered the Senior Advocate of Nigeria to step down, and allow the most senior lawyer in the defendant’s team to continue the case, pending his ruling on the matter.

    A lawyer, Taiwo Adedeji, subsequently took over the case from Fasuka as the legal representative of Farotimi.

    At the resumed hearing on the bail application today, Adeosun, before granting Farotimi bail, ruled that Olumide Fusika, SAN, is prohibited from appearing before the court, citing Section 9 of the Magistrate’s Courts Law, 2014.

    Granting Farotimi bail, the Chief Magistrate ruled that other conditions of the bail include: a 30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must be a property owner) and a prohibition on granting media interviews.