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Yoruba Union Condemns Prolonged Incarceration Of Dele Farotimi, Accuses Afe Babalola Of Tyranny
The Union questioned why Afe Babalola has not sued WikiLeaks for exposing his alleged involvement in bribing judges
Ikeja, Lagos State– The Yoruba Union, known as Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorúbá, has condemned the continued incarceration of Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, describing it as a gross abuse of justice.
The union accused legal luminary Afe Babalola of abusing his influence, describing him as an “old tyrant” who should focus on uniting the Yoruba race rather than suppressing dissent.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the union’s Convener, Olusola Oluwaseyi Badero, and signed by its General Secretary, Olugbenga Olotu, the group disclosed that Farotimi was abducted in Lagos and taken to Ekiti State over claims of defamation.
Yoruba Union further accused Babalola of using corrupt Nigerian security operatives to orchestrate the activist’s ordeal.
The union called on Yoruba people in Nigeria and the diaspora to rally support for Farotimi and ensure he receives justice.
They warned against any attempts to manipulate the judicial process, stating the importance of safeguarding justice and fairness.
The statement read, “Everything Dele Farotimi revealed in his book is a reflection of reality, exposing Afe Babalola’s hidden secret of bribing judges to subvert justice for his own benefit.
“WikiLeaks document revealed how the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo funneled $1.125 million through Chief Afe Babalola to influence Appeal Court judges in declaring Boni Haruna as the Governor of Adamawa State in 2000.
“This is a testament to what Afe Babalola has done, precisely as Farotimi described in his book, the Union said.
“No doubt, Nigeria judiciary system has been compromised by people like Afe Babalola, who used their influence to corrupt the system. They hide under the guise of statesmanship to bribe corrupt judges and subvert justice.
“Why is Afe Babalola jumping from one court to another, like a grieving parent seeking solace, in a bid to secure court orders banning the sale and further publication of Farotimi’s book?
“If Afe Babalola is not guilty of the crimes he is accused of, why is he filing lawsuits in different courts across various states? If not for the weakened state of the Nigerian judiciary, someone with a history of alleged corruption like Afe Babalola would not be abusing court processes or using the Nigerian police to intimidate oppressed individuals,” Yoruba Union said.
The Union questioned why Afe Babalola has not sued WikiLeaks for exposing his alleged involvement in bribing judges to declare Boni Haruna as the Governor of Adamawa State in 2000.
“We are giving Afe Babalola and his associates a three-week ultimatum to withdraw all lawsuits against Dele Farotimi, or we will occupy various embassies and petition the United Nations regarding his role in corrupting the Nigerian judicial system.
“We, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorúbá, stand firmly behind Dele Farotimi. We will do everything necessary, within the bounds of the law, to secure justice for Farotimi and for all prisoners of conscience who have been arrested or intimidated by Nigeria’s oppressors,” the statement said.
