IBADAN, OYO- a significant legal development, Adebayo Adenipekun, a prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has filed a defamation lawsuit against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. The case has been brought before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, Nigeria.
According to court documents dated December 9, 2024, Dele Farotimi has been summoned to appear within 30 days of service. Adebayo Adenipekun, SAN, is the claimant, while Dele Farotimi and his publishers are listed as the first and second defendants, respectively.
The court document states: “You are hereby commanded that within 30 (thirty) days of the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in an action at the suit of ADEBAYO ADENIPEKUN, SAN, FCIArb, and take notice that in default of your doing so the Claimant may proceed therein, and judgement may be given in your absence.”
The document further specifies that the writ is to be served within six calendar months from the date thereof, or if renewed, within three calendar months from the date of the last renewal.
This lawsuit comes amid ongoing legal battles between Farotimi and another prominent lawyer, Afe Babalola. Recently, the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, reserved its ruling and adjourned the bail application of Dele Farotimi to December 20, 2024. Despite public outcry, Farotimi remains in custody, awaiting justice and freedom.
Farotimi has pleaded not guilty to 14 charges at the Ekiti State Magistrate Court. Initially facing 16 charges, the prosecution amended and reduced them to 14. Farotimi’s legal team, led by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, has submitted a preliminary objection to dismiss the defamation suit filed by Afe Babalola, SAN.
The objection is based on several legal grounds, including the argument that the charge is legally invalid and that the magistrate acted beyond their jurisdiction.
