A prominent Nigerian lawyer, Olu Daramola (SAN), has taken legal action against writer and activist Dele Farotimi for alleged defamatory statements in his new book.
Daramola, a partner at Afe Babalola law firm, filed the lawsuit at the High Court of Ogun State, Ojodu Abiodun Division. He is demanding N500 million in damages.
The book at the center of the controversy is titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The senior lawyer claims that certain words on page 64 of the book have severely tarnished his reputation.
“This book has brought me into ridicule and disrepute,” Daramola said through his legal team.
The writ, dated December 13, 2024, was filed by Daramola’s lawyer, Iheanyichukwu C. Uwa.
This legal battle comes just weeks after another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola, also sued Farotimi for defamation over the same book.
Daramola insists that the book contains statements that are “offensive, defamatory, and derogatory.” He says these words have damaged his reputation as a respected legal professional.
He is seeking a court declaration that the book has injured his character and standing in society.
In his suit, he describes himself as an “honest, law-abiding, competent, and trustworthy legal practitioner.” He argues that the alleged defamatory statements undermine these qualities.
The senior lawyer has asked the court to award him N500 million as general and exemplary damages.
“This book has not only hurt my reputation but has also caused me disrespect and scorn in the eyes of the public,” Daramola said.
Beyond financial compensation, Daramola is demanding a public apology from Farotimi.
He wants this apology published in two major Nigerian newspapers, The Guardian and The Punch, or any other widely circulated national newspapers.
He has also called for the removal and destruction of all copies of the book, both in print and digital formats.
According to the claimant, this should include copies available in libraries, bookstores, archives, and on online platforms.
He is also asking the court for an order that prevents Farotimi or his associates from further distributing the book.
Farotimi, whose real name is Tomilola Titus Farotimi, has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
He is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). It is unclear if he will mount a legal defense or challenge Daramola’s claims.
Observers note that this is the fourthh defamation lawsuit Farotimi has faced in recent weeks.
Farotimi’s book has sparked significant legal backlash since its publication.
The first lawsuit came from Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), a highly respected figure in Nigerian law. Babalola had similarly alleged that the book contained defamatory statements.
This latest suit from Daramola suggests that the book’s contents have ruffled feathers among Nigeria’s legal elite.
Legal experts believe that the outcome of these cases could set an important precedent for defamation laws in Nigeria, particularly involving publications.
The public remains curious about the specific statements in the book that have led to these lawsuits.
Some have called for transparency in the legal process, urging the courts to clarify whether the statements in question meet the legal definition of defamation.
Others see this as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to freedom of expression and the balance between protecting reputations and allowing critical discourse.
