After Afe Babalola withdrew its defamation suit, the faction of Afenifere led by Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a notable Yoruba sociopolitical organization, has appointed lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi as its new National Organising Secretary.
This decision was reached during a general meeting held on Tuesday at Pa Adebanjo’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.
The announcement was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye. The statement confirmed: “The General Meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere.”
Farotimi’s appointment comes amidst recent developments in his legal battle with legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, who has chosen to withdraw a defamation lawsuit against him. The lawsuit had been tied to statements made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Earlier, Farotimi was arraigned at the Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti and granted bail set at ₦30 million. The case attracted significant public attention, with prominent figures like the Ooni of Ife intervening to mediate. These efforts ultimately contributed to Babalola’s decision to drop the defamation suit.
Farotimi’s new role within Afenifere signifies an important step in his activism and engagement with Yoruba sociopolitical issues, further highlighting the group’s trust in his leadership capabilities.