Laolu Akande Criticizes Afe Babalola Over “Harassment” of Dele Farotimi
Laolu Akande has expressed strong disapproval over the recent harassment and arrest of Dele Farotimi, particularly condemning the involvement of Chief Afe Babalola in the matter. Akande noted that it is disheartening for a respected legal figure like Babalola to resort to criminal defamation, a move that could have been addressed through civil legal means instead.
Referencing the Nigerian Court of Appeal’s 1982 ruling in Nwankwo vs. State, which stated that individuals should not weaponize the state against their opponents, Akande pointed out that states like Lagos and Edo have already decriminalized defamation to avoid such misuse of power.
Akande also expressed concern that Babalola might be behind the harassment of Farotimi, citing the disturbing footage that has surfaced showing the involvement of the Nigerian Police Force, reportedly mobilized from Ekiti to Lagos. He criticized the lack of sophistication in bypassing Lagos State’s decriminalization of defamation, which only deepens the controversy.
“Pa Afe,” as he is often referred to, should carefully consider the public perception of these actions, Akande suggested, given the swift and extensive police response against Farotimi. While acknowledging Babalola’s right to seek legal redress for any grievances, Akande questioned the approach taken, which he described as troubling and unsettling.
