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Tag: Dele Farotimi

  • Why a thousand ‘Goodluck Jonathans’ can’t fix Nigeria – Farotimi

    Why a thousand ‘Goodluck Jonathans’ can’t fix Nigeria – Farotimi

    Dele Farotimi, a human rights activist and lawyer, has dismissed suggestions that former President Goodluck Jonathan could return to the political frontline, asserting that Nigeria’s challenges require profound structural reforms rather than merely a change in leadership.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Farotimi while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday noted that the belief that bringing back Jonathan, or any other former leader, would solve Nigeria’s challenges is misguided.

    “A thousand Goodluck Ebele Jonathans cannot solve the problems of Nigeria. They might as well go ahead to increase his brain powers by factors of a thousand for good measure. If we do not address our structural problems and tell ourselves the basic truths we owe to ourselves, nothing is going to change,” Farotimi declared

    The activict while reacting to recent reports hinting at Jonathan’s possible re-emergence ahead of the 2027 general elections, recalled how former president was once heavily criticised and removed from office amid promises of a better Nigeria, yet the same problems persist a decade later.

    “They can recycle all these people as many times as they care. This was the same Jonathan that was horribly vilified and labelled. The press, the pulpit, and the mosque all said his removal would solve our problems, and here we are,” he said.

  • Unrepentant Farotimi says “in 2027, I will still vote Peter Obi”

    Unrepentant Farotimi says “in 2027, I will still vote Peter Obi”

    Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has reaffirmed his support for Peter Obi, stating that he will back the former Anambra State governor if he runs in the 2027 presidential election.

    Farotimi, who made this known during an appearance on Channels Television’s program stated that talks about the 2027 elections at this time are distracting.

    He said, “If elections where our votes will count will hold today, I will vote for Peter Gregory Obi, unless somebody else comes into the race that I think can do better. If it’s still the same lineup as the last time, it’s definitely Peter Obi I’m voting for.

    “I hope he will be a little bolder with his policy platforms, but frankly speaking, in terms of capacity and integrity, there’s nobody I will be supporting.

    “Something drastic has to happen for me to decide I’m not supporting Peter Obi. He might be that he teamed up with some objectionable persons that I cannot stomach, and that’s a real possibility. However, outside of that, there’s nobody else.

    “I actually think our discussions of elections today are a disservice to ourselves because we really cannot speak in terms of an election in our current circumstances.”

    Farotimi, who served as spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council and a staunch supporter of Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, said his continued support stems from a desire to see a better Nigeria.

  • Another heavy knock on IBB’s book as activist Farotimi describes it as “collectivity of lies”

    Another heavy knock on IBB’s book as activist Farotimi describes it as “collectivity of lies”

    Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, has described former military President Ibrahim Babangida’s book as a collectivty of lies.

    Farotimi, who lived through Babangida’s rule, recounted his experiences as a participant in the fight against the former leader’s “evil actions and inactions

    Farotimi’s comments come after Babangida’s recent admission that Chief M.K.O. Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, which Babangida annulled.

     

    The human rights lawyer expressed his disappointment, but not surprise, at the “mixed bag of lies, half-truths, urban legends, and obfuscations” in Babangida’s recent statements.

     

    Farotimi’s criticism is not isolated, as many Nigerians have questioned Babangida’s legacy and the lack of consequences for his actions. The annulment of the 1993 election led to widespread protests and a prolonged struggle for democracy in Nigeria.

     

    In a statement, Farotimi concluded, “No hagiographic allocutus can redeem the Evil Genius of Minna”.

     

    The statement was shared on X while he was reacting to a comment made by Adnan Abdullahi Adam, which stated that “it’s better to read every side of exposition before forming your own judgement”.

     

    With the cover picture of the IBB’s memoir “A Journey In Service” @realadnantweet wrote:

     

    “I think IBB’s memoir: “A Journey in Service” exposes a fresh perspective on everything.

     

    “It’s better to read every side of exposition before forming your own judgement.

    “Everyone should try reading the book as jury to the plea of the accused.”

    Responding Farotimi wrote: “I lived through his ruinous reign. I wasn’t a passive victim of his evil actions and inactions, I was a participant in the fight to be freed of him.

     

    “I am painfully aware of the extent of his evil capabilities, and I have not been disappointed by the mixed bag of lies, half truths, urban legends, and obfuscations contained in the excerpts already in the public domain. No hagiographic allocutus can redeem the Evil Genius of Minna.”

     

    On Thursday, February 20, 2025, former Nigerian military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) released his long-anticipated autobiography, “A Journey in Service.”

     

    The memoir has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with critics accusing Babangida of distorting historical events and maligning deceased individuals who cannot defend themselves.

     

    This development has reopened debates about his tenure and its lasting impact on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.

    Babangida’s tenure from 1985 to 1993 was marked by the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), among others. In “A Journey in Service,” he provides an insider’s perspective on the adoption of SAP, aiming to offer context for the controversial policy that aimed to liberalize Nigeria’s economy.

     

    While intended to address economic challenges, SAP led to widespread protests and debates due to its harsh austerity measures and the social hardships it imposed.

     

    Critics, however, contend that Babangida’s memoir serves as a self-exoneration tool, selectively presenting events to absolve himself of blame.

     

    Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, described the book as a “pack of lies,” accusing Babangida of making allegations against deceased individuals who cannot contest his claims.

    Odinkalu further criticized Babangida for portraying himself as a victim of circumstances orchestrated by those who are no longer alive to defend themselves.

     

    The memoir has also rekindled discussions about Babangida’s annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections. In the book, Babangida attempts to justify the annulment, a move that plunged the nation into political turmoil and prolonged military rule. Many Nigerians view this action as a significant setback to the country’s democratic progress.

  • Appointment entangles Farotimi in Afenifere’s leadership crisis

    Appointment entangles Farotimi in Afenifere’s leadership crisis

    The crisis engulfing the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, over its leadership tussle took a new twist, on Wednesday, as the Pa Reuben Fasoranti-led faction rejected the appointment of Dele Farotimi as the Organising Secretary of the group.

    This is against the backdrop of an earlier announcement made by Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s faction, despite the position being held by Kole Omololu of the Fasoranti’s led group.

    Recall that on Tuesday, the Afenifere faction loyal to Adebanjo held a parallel meeting at Isanya Ogbo in Ogun State, where it announced the appointment of Farotimi.

    The general meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the national organising secretary of the Afenifere,” it read.

    The communique was jointly signed by the deputy leader, Oladipo Olaitan, and the national publicity secretary, Justice Faloye, loyal to Adebanjo’s faction at the end of the meeting.

    Farotimi’s appointment came after legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, withdrew his defamatory suit against the activist.

    But in a statement on Wednesday in Akure, Omololu disagreed with the appointment of Farotimi, saying Fasoranti’s faction of Afenifere is the authentic group.
    In the statement entitled, “Pa Fasoranti Remains Afenifere’s True Leader,” Omololu, said the group would continue to uphold the values and principles that guide its formation for the welfare of the Yoruba people.

    “I acknowledge the appointment of Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of the faction led by Pa. Adebanjo. However, it is important to clarify that there is only one authentic Afenifere, which remains under the leadership of Pa. Reuben Fashoranti.

    “This body continues to uphold the core values and principles that have guided us since the formation of Afenifere, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the welfare and progress of the Yoruba people and the entire nation.

    “It is imperative that the public is aware of the distinction between the authentic Afenifere and any other groups that may claim the name for political purposes. As we continue our work, our focus remains on unity, justice, and the advancement of democratic values.
    “We are committed to collaborating with all those who share these principles, irrespective of factional differences. The future of our region and our country depends on our ability to remain united and focused on the issues that matter most to our people.”

    The cold-war between Adebanjo and Fasoranti emerged during the 2023 general elections when the former supported Peter Obi of the Labour Party against Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • 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.(

  • 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.