In an exclusive interview, activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi revealed that despite the withdrawal of criminal charges by legal titan Aare Afe Babalola, he is still facing a fierce legal battle. Farotimi, whose controversial book “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System” has sparked intense debate, disclosed that he is now embroiled in four separate lawsuits across different states in Nigeria, filed by members of Babalola’s prestigious law firm.
Speaking on Sunday during the Toyin Falola Interviews, Farotimi was candid about his ongoing legal troubles, which have kept him in the spotlight since his book was published. “My inability to speak to certain aspects of this issue is borne out of the fact that, despite the discontinuation of the criminal proceedings, I still face four lawsuits,” Farotimi said. “These suits have been filed against me in four different states of the federation, and they are all the work of the same law office.”
This revelation comes after a high-profile legal saga that saw Farotimi arrested and arraigned in court in Ekiti State. The charges stemmed from a defamation complaint lodged by Afe Babalola, who had accused Farotimi of slandering him in his book. In January, Babalola agreed to withdraw the cases, citing the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other traditional leaders. The police subsequently dropped the criminal charges, but Farotimi’s legal challenges are far from over.
A Book of Truth, Not Malice
Farotimi has been steadfast in defending his work, insisting that his book was not an attack on individuals but a critical examination of the judicial system in Nigeria. “I did not sit down in a beer parlour; I was not gossiping. I wrote a book,” he explained. “It was a well-researched work based on my observations and experiences with the criminal justice system.”
His words reflect his unyielding belief that the Nigerian legal system is plagued by corruption and inefficiency. Farotimi emphasized that the issues raised in his book were not aimed at tarnishing the reputation of any individual, especially Babalola, whom he respects. “Chief Afe Babalola is more than old enough to be my father,” Farotimi said, adding that his critique was focused on the institution, not the man himself.
The book delves into the systemic flaws that have become entrenched within the Nigerian judiciary. “This is not a trial of Dele Farotimi. Let nobody make that error,” he insisted. “It is a trial of the legal system that we have built as a collective.” Farotimi’s words underline his commitment to a reformative agenda, one that calls for accountability and transparency in the country’s judicial process.
Truth and Accountability in the Crossfire
Despite his defense, Farotimi has faced intense criticism, particularly from those who have not read the book but have nonetheless condemned its contents. He decried this reaction as “intellectually lazy” and accused Nigerians of being more inclined to dismiss uncomfortable truths than confront them. “Ninety percent of the persons criticizing me for whatever they believe my tactics to have been in writing the book have not read the book,” he argued. “If Nigerians would stop being so philistinic and illiterate, if they would dare to read, there would be no arguments as to the proof of what I have written.”
Farotimi’s critique goes beyond personal disputes and challenges the very foundations of the Nigerian legal system. He insists that the problems he addresses in his book are not just academic but have real-world implications for the average Nigerian. “We have built a system that rewards deception and punishes truth,” he said. “I am being sued not because I have lied, but because I have dared to speak the truth.”
His stance reflects the broader challenges facing Nigeria as it seeks to address corruption, impunity, and inefficiency within its institutions. Farotimi’s work has forced many to confront uncomfortable realities about the state of the judiciary, and in doing so, he has attracted both fierce opposition and fervent support.
The Battle Beyond the Courts
For Farotimi, this is more than a legal battle; it is a fight for justice and reform in a system he believes is in dire need of overhaul. The lawsuits are merely the latest chapter in an ongoing struggle that began with the publication of his book, which has sparked a broader conversation about the state of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
“I did not set out to destroy anyone,” Farotimi asserted, referring to the legal challenges brought by Babalola’s firm. “What I did was write a book, and now I am facing the consequences of speaking truth to power.”
The controversies surrounding his book have brought attention to the issues he addresses and have, in many ways, reinforced his central argument: that Nigeria’s legal system is broken and in need of profound reform. While he continues to face legal challenges, Farotimi remains steadfast in his belief that he is on the right side of history.
As the lawsuits continue, Farotimi’s message remains clear. “This is not about me. It’s about a system that needs to change,” he said. “Until we confront the truth, there can be no meaningful reform.”
Farotimi’s ongoing legal battles serve as a poignant reminder of the deep-seated challenges facing Nigeria’s legal and judicial systems. His words have not only ignited controversy but have also sparked a broader discussion on the need for reform, transparency, and accountability in Nigerian institutions.
